2008 Woodie Awards
Soccer Endures Road Trip with Tie and Loss
John Butler '11
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Sports
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The Friars suffered a loss and a tie last week, giving up a 2-0 loss to the University of South Florida on Sunday, Sept. 28, and preserving a 1-1 tied game against Marquette on Thursday, Sept. 25.
Although it was a frustrating week based on outcomes, the team believes that it is still in a good position as the stretch commences.
"I am completely pleased with the way we're playing," said Friars Head Coach Jim McGirr. "We have scored in every game but two, and we've been playing against difficult teams."
Indeed Providence's strength of schedule must not be discounted, and the offensive prowess with which they have responded is laudable. Thus far, the Friar offense has scored 11 goals, the most that have been scored in the time that McGirr has been at the helm.
This success has been largely the result of intangibles which have served to motivate the Friars.
"Now we need to play with heart and dedication," said junior Tara Ricciardi. "We need everything out of everybody every minute of every game."
The effort against USF certainly adhered to Ricciardi's philosophy, especially given the potency of the Bulls, and the oppressive Florida heat to which the Friars were unaccustomed. The Friars outshot the Bulls, and Providence's time of possession far outweighed that of the USF.
There were many opportunities for Providence scoring, but the offense was thwarted by the USF defense.
"We encountered a very good goalkeeper who made two or three very good saves," McGirr said. "I think that our opportunities [for scoring] were much more quality than theirs."
Certainly, there were several scoring chances against Marquette, and senior Kelly Petterson capitalized by scoring a goal only three and a half minutes into the game. The Friars then sought to defend their lead, but the Golden Eagles finally broke through for a score late in the second period.
"Our goal was to score first and then go after them, and play more of an attack game," said McGirr.
And while this approach worked for the majority of the contest, Marquette sneaked a shot past junior goaltender Jill Schott to tie the game.
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