Friars Rally to Defeat Hartford

The Providence College Women's Soccer Team stood on the threshold of losing to a Hartford team, on the road, on an unfamiliar turf field. It came dangerously close to suffering its second consecutive loss. But in the final five minutes of play, the Friars scored two goals to defeat the Hartford Hawks 2-1 on Thursday, Sept.11.

For the Friars' impressive play thus far, and especially their stellar 4-1-0 record, SoccerBuzz.com named Providence No. 15 in the Northeast Tuesday, a laudable achievement for a team that has worked hard to get where it presently is.

"It was a great result," said Friars Head Coach Jim McGirr of the come-from-behind win. "We've walked off the field before with the 'should have' mentality, but this time we walked off knowing we deserved the win."

The Friars spent the first half adjusting to Hartford's turf field. Though the dynamic was different, the girls in black and white responded with poise and offensive prowess. It was a very even match for the first forty-five minutes, as Providence took six shots in the first period and held Hartford to only three shots.

Hartford managed to break through the Providence iron-wall defense late in the first period and scored a goal off a kick that sailed over the head of sophomore Jill Schott. Schott finished with one save on the day.

It was a different story in the second period, which was marked by a Friar offensive onslaught that had the potential to be a fireworks show, but left the Friars still on the short end of a 1-0 score at the 84 minute mark.

"It was like a mirage of opportunities for us," said McGirr of the Friars' chances in the second period. "We had control of the game, but I give my girls credit because they dug in and worked for a goal."

Indeed, the Friars registered a total of 15 shots on the Hartford goal in the second period, but none found their way between the poles until senior Megan Mancarella tied the game on a corner-kick play in the 85th minute. Senior Christie Gent rocketed a corner-kick into the Hartford box. The resulting header was stopped by Hartford goaltender Lauren Brodeur, but the rebound was recovered by Mancarella who capitalized on the opportunity to tie the game.

Not willing to concede a tie, the Friars upped the ante as the seconds ticked away. Freshman Courtney Collins was able to get in front of a deflection from Brodeur, and she headed the ball into the Hartford net for the winning score with seventeen seconds left on the clock.

Collins' goal was her third goal in as many games. She is tied with junior Tara Ricciardi for the team lead in points scored with six, and goals scored with three. Her play has been a major factor in the Friars' early success.

"Courtney is a great player with great technical tools," McGirr said. "She is a master of putting herself in the right spot at the right time."

The thrill that came with this invigorating rally had the Friars primed to play Davidson on Sunday, Sept. 14. The game was postponed due to inclement weather in the interest of the safety of the athletes. The postponement received mixed reaction from the Friar squad.

"When you're buzzing you're dying to get on the field again," McGirr said.

Although the Friars' rhythm was slightly interrupted with the missed game, the day off provided one more day in the preparation period for the beginning of conference play.

The Friars begin their Big East slate on Friday, Sept. 19 against the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut.

"Right now we have the mentality that we are a winning team, and that mentality is driving us," McGirr said.

What distinguishes the Friars is that where others have confidence alone, Providence has the work ethic and talent to fortify that confidence which is necessary for success in the Big East.

The offensive success that has marked the Friars' play this season will be put to the test against the Huskies, as the Friars will seek to score goals on Husky goaltender Stephanie Labbe, who was named the preseason Big East goalkeeper of the year. In six games this season, Labbe has already amassed 31 saves.

Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. against the Huskies on Friday. The Friars will return home to play the University of Massachusetts on Sunday, Sept. 21, and Marquette on Thursday, Sept. 25. Providence will then hit the road for a five game road streak against all Big East opponents.