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University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Tops UMass 2-1 On Senior Day
October 22, 2006 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 22, 2006
AMHERST, Mass. - Rhode Island (10-8-0/6-1-0 A-10) played spoiler on Sunday afternoon, topping UMass (10-5-0/4-3-0 A-10) by the score of 2-1. The match was the last of the season at Rudd Field, and marked the last time seniors Stephanie Barrett, Nadia Villarroel and Elizabeth Weinsten would play in front of the home crowd. The regular season concludes next weekend on the road at Duquesne and Saint Louis.
"We played a very good opponent," said Head Coach Jim Rudy. "Their system gave us problems and their players gave us problems. It was a tough loss and I'm disappointed in the first 45 minutes of this game."
The Rams took a 1-0 lead into the half, with Dora Laurusdottir's fourth goal of the season. Laurusdottir's initial shot was saved by Walker but shot up in the air and back to the midfielder, who then shot it in the left corner for the score.
The Minutewomen had a few chances in the first, including a hit post by Jenny Roehrig just two minutes in, as well as a free kick by Stephanie Barrett going just high with seven minutes remaining.
Rhode Island opened up a two-goal lead with a goal by Deb Nelson at 51:35, assisted by Lauren Forgione. The pass by Forgione allowed for a header by Nelson, beating Kristin Walker, who made a total of seven saves in the game.
Britt Canfield's goal at 63:06 gave new life to the Minutewomen. Goalkeeper Amanda Thomas went out to play a ball but Canfield beat her and got in front of it, slipping the ball in for her team-leading seventh goal of the season. Despite an excellent chance by Canfield at the buzzer, UMass could not force overtime.
"In a game of this importance, we needed to show up," said Rudy. "There was no passion until the second. We didn't end the game two down, and did create some excitement. I liked the response at the end, but it was too late."
"This makes next weekend very critical in terms of conference standings. We need to get some points, and that will define the weekend."
