Men’s Soccer tops Brown 2-1
Ludvik Benco helps lead his team to victory against La Salle University. Photo by James McIntosh.
The University of Rhode Island’s Men’s soccer team was back on the field this past week with a conference matchup against the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks and a rivalry game against Brown University.
The Rams continued their winning ways by shutting out the Hawks 2-0 for their third straight victory. This win was also the Rams seventh in their last nine games.
The game was locked in a scoreless tie for nearly the entire first half until freshman Rohun Kawale knocked one in off of a corner kick from senior Peder Kristiansen in the 33rd minute. Kawale’s goal was the first of his college career. This goal would eventually be the only goal that Rhody needed to seal their victory.
The Rams stellar defense continued in the second half as the Hawks were shut down offensively. Saint Joseph only managed one shot on goal in the final twenty minutes of regulation.
Senior Stavros Zarokostas added to Rhody’s lead when he scored an unassisted goal to put the Rams up 2-0. This goal was Zarokostas’ 25th career goal and 66th career point in 66 career games. Redshirt junior Stefan Schmidt recorded six saves to earn his second shutout victory of the season.
In the Ram’s next matchup they traveled to Providence to take on in-state rival Brown University. Stellar defense from both teams in the first half on Tuesday night lead to a stalemate at halftime.
Rhody finally managed to break through 26 minutes into the second half. Senior Simon Trcka, who was only on the field for seven second-half minutes after coming off the bench, scored off an assist from Kawale in the 71st minute. It was the third goal of the season for Trcka. Rhody’s defense continued their great play for the rest of the game and kept the Bears at bay. The lone goal proved to be enough for the Rams to take home the 1-0 win. It was their first victory over Brown since Nov. 7, 2004 when they defeated the Bears 2-1.
This was Rhody’s fourth win in a row and also their eighth victory in their last 10 games. It was also their third shutout that span, to improve their record to 8-3-2 on the season. Redshirt junior Stefan Schmidt was in the net for the Rams and recorded five saves for his third shutout of the season.
The Rams will be back on the field Saturday, Oct. 19 when they face off against Atlantic- 10 rival Virginia Commonwealth in a high-profile matchup in Kingston. VCU sits tied for first in the conference, while Rhody is in third and one game back. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the URI Soccer Complex.