The University of Rhode Island women’s soccer team fell 2-0 to the La Salle University Explorers in an Atlantic 10 playoff matchup on Friday.
The seventh-seeded Rams traveled to Philadelphia looking to upset the Explorers, but came up short after a late push from the hosts. The match was Rhody’s second A-10 tournament appearance in three seasons, an impressive feat following the teams 0-6-5 start to 2023.
The first half was all Explorers, who had the advantage in possession and a 6-1 shot advantage.The Rams defense held strong, as fourth-year goalkeeper Faith Hutchins, possibly playing her final match in Keaney Blue, made two saves to keep the match knotted at zero. Rhode Island’s lone shot of the half came 11 minutes in from fourth-year midfielder Tess O’Connell, who attempted a long shot that was low and down the center. The shot was stopped on the bounce by Explorers third-year goalkeeper Michaela Auguardo.
With under 15 seconds remaining in the first period of play, Rams third-year midfielder Cristina Sallent had a free kick from just past the halfway line. She sent a long cross into the box with a chance for a header, but Auguardo stopped the attack and let time run out.
The second half was more of the same for the two squads, with the Explorers having the advantage in most offensive categories. The hosts had seven shots to the Rams three, while adding three corner kicks to the visitors none.
The Rams defense held the Explorers scoreless until the 74th minute, when third-year forward Haley Gschrey received the ball through the middle, tapped the ball off her head and over the defender before firing a shot into the bottom left behind Hutchins. The goal broke the scoreless tie and gave La Salle the chance to claim a victory with just under 17 minutes to play. Just about three minutes later, the hosts struck again.
The Rams pressured the Explorers, trailing by a goal, giving La Salle a chance to double their lead. Fifth-year midfielder Emily Banashefski headed the ball over Hutchins after receiving a long cross from fourth-year Madison McCready. McCready sent a high cross over all the Rams defenders where Banashefski got enough power to find the back of the net. The team goal added to La Salle’s lead, making the score 2-0 with 13 minutes remaining.
The goal all but put the game away with such little time to spare for the Rams. Although the Rams conceded twice, the defense kept the team in the game for over 70 minutes, according to Rhode Island Head Coach Megan Jessee.
“They were very good today,” Jessee said about her team’s defense. “Unfortunately we gave up the second goal, but I thought our defense was solid. They have been solid all year.”
Rhode Island found a chance late to attempt a comeback as first-year Lauren MacDonald had a shot on frame that could not hit the back of the net. The shot came with under four minutes remaining, and was the fifth and final of the day for the visitors. Auguardo chested the shot down to herself where she collected it and stopped a Rams attack. With little time remaining, the Explorers held the ball to drain the clock and secure the 2-0 victory, and advance to the Semi-Finals. The Rams finished their season with a tournament appearance and a 4-9-6 record, while being 4-3-3 within the conference.
“I’m super proud of this team,” Jessee said. “We had a lot of adversity at the beginning, we had three season ending injuries before we even started the season.”
The Rams next suit up in August, when the 2024 campaign begins.