Tag: Men’s Soccer
Julian Gressel ’16 Finds Home with Atlanta United
by The Cowl Editor on January 24, 2019
Friar Sports
By Scott Jarosz ’21
Sports Staff
After what was an outstanding career as a midfielder on the Providence College Men’s Soccer Team, Julian Gressel ’16 has quickly become one of the top rising stars in Major League Soccer. Born in Neustadt an der Aisch, Germany, Gressel came to the United States in 2013 to join the Friars’ soccer team. Gressel’s impact on the team was felt immediately as he started all 22 games for the Friars in his freshman season. Over that span of time, Gressel led the team in goals, assists, points, and shots on goal. In his rookie season, Gressel achieved a Big East Rookie of the Week honor and was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team and All-Big East Second Team.
Gressel continued to produce for the Friars in his sophomore season on the team in 2014. During the 2013-14 season, Gressel scored five goals and added five assists. He continued his steady play into the Big East Tournament, receiving Big East All-Tournament Team recognition. In 2015, Gressel scored five goals in his third season at PC. He again received numerous accolades including being named to the Big East All-Tournament Team and the All-Big East Second Team. However, during his senior season in 2016, Gressel truly played to his full potential. Gressel netted an outstanding 15 goals in just 22 games played, 6 assists, and 36 total points. His incredible performance throughout the season ultimately led to an NCAA tournament berth for the Friars, which included an incredible 5-4 comeback win over No. 1 seed University of Maryland. Gressel added two goals in this second-round game of the tournament, and finished second all-time in goals, assists, and points among all PC players.
Upon the conclusion of his career at PC, Gressel entered the 2017 MLS Super Draft where he was the highest Friar ever selected. He was picked up by Atlanta United FC as the 8th overall draft pick in the draft.
In his rookie season with Atlanta, Gressel showed no signs of being overwhelmed with the conversion from college to professional soccer. In his first season with Atlanta United, Gressel appeared in 32 games, scoring five goals and adding nine assists. This stellar first season led to him being named the 2017 MLS Rookie of the Year. Atlanta, however, fell short in the MLS Playoffs to Columbus Crew SC in the 2017 season. Gressel and Atlanta United made sure that they would not fall short the following season, and showcased their dominance throughout the 2018 season.
In his second season in the MLS, Gressel scored four goals and recorded 14 assists to help lead his squad to its first MLS Cup victory. Atlanta beat the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup Final by a score of 2-0. This was a fitting way for Atlanta United to cap off its second season in the league as no other MLS team showcased nearly the same level of quality and consistency throughout the season. Gressel was an integral part of this quality and consistency as a rock-solid midfielder.
Through just two seasons in MLS, Gressel boasts a Rookie of the Year award and an MLS Cup victory. The PC graduate has shown no signs of slowing down as he is one of the top young midfielders in the league.
Twenty Friars Named to All-Big East Teams
by The Cowl Editor on December 6, 2018
Friar Sports
Soccer Teams and Field Hockey Each Send Five Players
By Cam Smith ’21
Sports Staff
The fall sports season has come to a close, meaning that the time to honor athletic accomplishments is now upon us. All six Providence College Division I teams, who finished their seasons by the end of November, saw players receive All-Big East honors. Three of these six teams saw a whopping five players receive conference accolades.
The PC Women’s Soccer Team was one of the teams to nab five All-Big East awards, marking the most in program history. Katie Day ’19 is the second PC women’s soccer player ever to earn back-to-back All-Big East First Team Honors. The dominant defender started every game for the Friars this season, including one in which she headed home the game-winning goal against Marquette University.
Shelby Hogan ‘20RS, Kayla Steeves ’19, and Hannah McNulty ‘21 were awarded Second Team Honors, while Hannah Morgan ’22 was named to the All-Freshman Team. Hogan had a tremendous year in her second season as the team’s goalkeeper, while McNulty led the Friars in goals scored with 10.
On the PC Men’s Soccer Team, five All-Big East awards were also handed out. Tiago Mendonca ‘20RS took home First Team Honors as the crafty midfielder led the Friars in goals (five), points (10), and shots (40). Colin Miller ‘19RS and Klisman Sousa ’19RS picked up Second Team Honors. Miller, the starting goalkeeper for the past three seasons, reached eight shutouts for the second time in his very successful career, finishing the season with nine. Two impressive newcomers in Ramzi Qawasmy ’22 and Gil Santos ’22 were named to the All-Big East Freshman Team. Qawasmy logged the second-most minutes of anyone on the team while Santos hammered home three goals.
The field hockey team rounds out the squads to pick up five All-Big East Honors, as the team saw one member named to the All-Big East First Team and four named to the All-Big East Second Team. The team’s five All-Big East selections are the second-most in program history. Corinne Kenney ’19 was the player to find herself on the First Team. She anchored the Friar defense while also setting a career high in assists with five. Her selection only adds to her long list of accolades, including being an All-Academic Team honoree.
Maddie Babineau ’21, Izzy Mendez ’20, Mary O’Reilly ’20, and Lydia Rice ’19 were the four additional players who garnered All-Big East Second Team Honors. Babineau started all 18 games for PC this year and posted career highs in points (12), goals (three) and assists (six). Mendez accumulated a team-best seven goals, while O’Reilly pitched in 10 points. She also received various academic honors. Rice’s lone season in goal for the Friars was a superb one, as she had five shutouts and had the highest save percentage across the entire conference.
Moving away from the field and onto the race course, four different Friars picked up All-Big East Honors for the cross country teams. On the women’s side, runners Abbey Wheeler ’20, Regan Rome ’18G, and Tessa Barrett ’18G all finished top 20 at the Big East Cross Country Championships, determining their status as All-Big East. Wheeler capped off a tremendous season with a fourth overall finish in a time of 20:35.3.
For the men, Ryan Gallagher ’21 also earned the Honors due to his top-20 finish at the championships.
The final All-Big East honoree was volleyball star Allison Impellizeri ’19. She was named to the All-Big East Second Team after leading the Friars in kills (326) and total blocks (86). Impellizeri also ranked fifth in hitting percentage in the Big East.
As the athletic calendar moves to the winter season, the Friars who will take to the court and ice can only hope to match the all-around success of the fall athletes.
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018
PCI
Colin Miller ’19RS and Shelby Hogan ’20RS Were the Top Athletes for the Fall
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
Of all the male athletes that participated in fall sports this season at Providence College, one that stood out amongst the crowd was men’s soccer goalie Colin Miller ’19RS. The season for the Friars was quite successful, with a 10-7-2 overall record, and a 6-2-1 record in the Big East, tying them for second in the Big East along with Georgetown University, who defeated PC in the Big East Soccer Championship Semi-Finals 4-0.
Miller’s final season began with high expectations, as he was selected unanimously for the 2018 Preseason All-Big East Team and was named the 2018 Men’s Soccer Preseason Goalkeeper Of The Year. In the 19 games played and started this season, Miller had 54 saves, 21 goals allowed, and GAA of 1.06 goals.
While only ranking seventh in saves in the Big East, he ranked first in shutouts in the Big East, and fourth in GAA in the Big East.
Miller’s numbers were certainly the key factor this season for the men’s soccer team in terms of keeping their ranking afloat, but they also allowed Miller to be named to the All-Big East Second Team. For these reasons, he is the best male athlete of the fall season.
On the same pitch, the best female athlete for PC this fall season is women’s soccer goalie Shelby Hogan ’20RS. This season, Hogan was able to provide a spark for her team to gain the playoff berth for the Friars.
The Friars’ playoff run sadly only lasted until the Semi-Finals of the Big East Women’s Soccer Championship where they lost to Butler University 2-3. While the Friars may have been knocked out, Hogan’s stats and ambitions will carry on for the rest of her career.
At the end of the season, it was announced that Hogan was named to the 2018 United States Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Women’s All-East Region Third Team. Hogan was also named into the All-Big East Second Team for her achievements this season.
Some of these stats included: 16 goals allowed, 0.77 GAA, and 95 saves throughout the season. These stats have placed her third in GAA, second in saves, and second in shutouts in the Big East.
Hogan’s drive and goals throughout the season pushed the Friars to go beyond the expectations that everyone had of them, making her the best female athlete of the fall season.
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018
PCI
Colin Miller ’19RS and Shelby Hogan ’20RS Were the Top Athletes for the Fall
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
Of all the male athletes that participated in fall sports this season at Providence College, one that stood out amongst the crowd was men’s soccer goalie Colin Miller ’19RS. The season for the Friars was quite successful, with a 10-7-2 overall record, and a 6-2-1 record in the Big East, tying them for second in the Big East along with Georgetown University, who defeated PC in the Big East Soccer Championship Semi-Finals 4-0.
Miller’s final season began with high expectations, as he was selected unanimously for the 2018 Preseason All-Big East Team and was named the 2018 Men’s Soccer Preseason Goalkeeper Of The Year. In the 19 games played and started this season, Miller had 54 saves, 21 goals allowed, and GAA of 1.06 goals.
While only ranking seventh in saves in the Big East, he ranked first in shutouts in the Big East, and fourth in GAA in the Big East.
Miller’s numbers were certainly the key factor this season for the men’s soccer team in terms of keeping their ranking afloat, but they also allowed Miller to be named to the All-Big East Second Team. For these reasons, he is the best male athlete of the fall season.
On the same pitch, the best female athlete for PC this fall season is women’s soccer goalie Shelby Hogan ’20RS. This season, Hogan was able to provide a spark for her team to gain the playoff berth for the Friars.
The Friars’ playoff run sadly only lasted until the Semi-Finals of the Big East Women’s Soccer Championship where they lost to Butler University 2-3. While the Friars may have been knocked out, Hogan’s stats and ambitions will carry on for the rest of her career.
At the end of the season, it was announced that Hogan was named to the 2018 United States Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Women’s All-East Region Third Team. Hogan was also named into the All-Big East Second Team for her achievements this season.
Some of these stats included: 16 goals allowed, 0.77 GAA, and 95 saves throughout the season. These stats have placed her third in GAA, second in saves, and second in shutouts in the Big East.
Hogan’s drive and goals throughout the season pushed the Friars to go beyond the expectations that everyone had of them, making her the best female athlete of the fall season.
Providence College Investigates
by The Cowl Editor on November 29, 2018
PCI
Abbey Wheeler ’20 and Tiago Mendonca ’20RS Were the Top Athletes for the Fall
By Meaghan Cahill ’20
Sports Co-Editor
Cross country runner Abbey Wheeler ’20 and soccer player Tiago Mendonca ’20RS are the top two standout athletes of the fall sports season.
This racing season, according to Head Coach Ray Treacy, Wheeler has been Providence College’s top runner for the women’s team. Wheeler finished as the overall winner in the University of New Hampshire Dual Meet, the Coast-to-Coast Battle in Beantown, and the Central Connecticut State University Mini Meet. She finished the CCSU Mini Meet with the fastest posted time by a non-redshirt collegian in the past six years with a time of 9:48.9 for the 5K.
At the Big East Championships, Wheeler finished first for the Friars and fourth overall—an improvement from her 10th place finish last season. Her 20:35.3 time earned her All-Big East honors for this season. At the NCAA Northeast Regional Meet, Wheeler finished second for the Friars and 33rd overall.
The NCAA named Wheeler the Cross Country National Athlete of the Week twice this season. Wheeler was also named Big East Runner of the Week twice this season.
Wheeler deserves best female athlete of the 2018 fall sports season because of the key role she has played in the cross country team’s success these past few months.
Alongside Wheeler, another standout athlete from the fall season is Mendonca, who is a plays midfield for the men’s soccer team.
Arguably, goalie Colin Miller ’19 RS is considered to be the star of the soccer team this year, but no matter how good the goalie is, a team cannot win games if they do not score goals—and that is exactly what Mendonca did this season.
Playing in all 19 games of the season, Mendonca led the team in goals (5), points (10), shots (40), and shots on goal (15). During a season where nine of the team’s wins were decided by just one goal, Mendonca’s value in regards to the team’s success was definitely heightened.
Mendonca is the only member of the soccer team to be named to the All-Big East First Team and earlier in the season, the Portugal native was named to the Capitol City Classic All-Tournament Team.
Both Wheeler and Mendonca were key players in their team’s successes this fall season and it is for that reason they should be recognized as the two athletes with the most successful sports season.
Men’s Soccer Falls to Georgetown in Semis 0-4
by The Cowl Editor on November 8, 2018
Friar Sports
By Cam Smith ’21
Sports Staff
The wind was whipping as the Providence College Men’s Soccer Team took on St. John’s University in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament last Saturday November 3 on Chapey Field. Fans braved the unrelenting gusts to watch the Friars defeat the Red Storm by a score of 1-0.
Matt DePerro ’21RS scored the lone goal of the contest, tapping the ball into the net at the 15-minute mark after a header from midfielder Kevin Vang ’22 found DePerro sitting at the right post. The goal did not come without some controversy, as it was originally called back due to the assistant referee calling DePerro offsides. A discussion with the center referee caused the decision to be reversed, as a St. John’s player had slid out of bounds to situate himself firmly behind DePerro. After the dust cleared, both Vang and midfielder Brendan Constantine ‘19 were credited with assists.
The dominant Friar defense was the story of the night, as PC notched its ninth shutout of the season. The defensive unit has been strong all year long, allowing the third fewest goals in the Big East. Joao Serrano ‘20RS, along with Tristan Stowell ’21RS, Malcolm Duncan ’21, and f Ramzi Qawasmy ’22 have spearheaded a resurgent backline that struggled for much of the 2017 season.
On Saturday, the compact back four left little space in the final third for the Johnnies to operate, as the Friars prevented any semblance of link-up play. The visiting squad only registered five shots on the night, and star keeper Colin Miller ‘19RS made a tremendous save on the one ball that found its way to the post. Prior to Saturday’s game, the Friars had closed out the Big East regular season with two consecutive 1-0 wins over St. John’s and Villanova University. These two matches saw PC solidify their 6-2-1 conference record, a record good enough to clinch the third seed in the Big East Tournament.
Saturday’s playoff victory was a welcome development for a Friar team that suffered an uncharacteristic loss in the quarterfinal just a year ago to Xavier University. After the game, the boys in black and white had their sights set on a much loftier goal: the Big East crown and a potential College Cup berth.
Next up for PC in their quest for Big East supremacy: the number two seeded Georgetown University Hoyas. The two Big East powerhouses battled in the nation’s capital on Wednesday November 3 in the conference semifinals.
Weather played a factor in the game, as torrential downpours in the D.C. area made it a muddy affair on Georgetown’s grass field.
The Hoyas dominated possession in the first half, as the Friars seemed to have a hard time adjusting to the size of Shaw Field. Georgetown was able to switch the ball several times on offense, spreading out a Friar defense that had remained so compact on Saturday. The lack of possession for PC led to few offensive chances, as the team did not register a shot on net in the first half. Georgetown’s Kyle Zajec scored the lone goal of the half on a penalty kick after the ball bounced off of Klisman Sousa ‘19RS’s hand in the box.
The second half began on a good note for the Friars as they began to string together some chances, but their momentum was halted when Georgetown scored their second goal of the game with 30 minutes remaining in the half. Hoya forward Riley Strassner finished his own rebound after an unlucky bounce off of Miller’s save. The Friars never quite found their footing after that, and a Gil Santos ’22 red card with 20 minutes remaining in the half put the Friars down a man as they tried to claw their way back into the game. Georgetown would go on to add two additional goals, securing a 4-0 victory and a spot in the Big East championship.
PC ended their season with a 10-7-2 record. The Friars now look ahead to next year as a batch of exciting players return to build on a solid season.
PC Men’s Soccer Celebrates 50 Years
by The Cowl Editor on October 4, 2018
Friar Sports
Team Gets Big Win Over Xavier
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
This weekend at Providence College, the students and athletes had more to celebrate besides the opening of the new Ruane Friar Development Center. The College, along with many alumni and students were able to cheer on the PC Men’s Soccer Team as they secured a back to back victory against Xavier University, during the school’s 50th anniversary of the men’s soccer program.
At the match, players from the last 50 years of the program came to Providence, during St. Dominic’s weekend, to reunite and watch the match unfold. They were able to celebrate all the success the team has endured in the past, as well as look forward to the bright future that is in store for the program and athletes.
During halftime, a video was played on the scoreboard that commemorated the history of the team. Some of the biggest moments were displayed on the screen such as making the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament in 2016 and the trip to the Final Four in 2014.
Former head coach Bill Doyle who was the first coach in the program’s history, sat down with current coach Craig Stewart to talk about building up the program and bringing the Friars into a perennial Big East contender.
A clip of former head coach Chaka Daley was played at the end. Daley talked about his time at PC. Daley considered the 2005 season to be one of the best seasons he was a part of. After going winless in 2004, the Friars turned things around in 2005, going 7-4-9.
The Friars shutout Xavier 2-0, making their record 5-4-1 (2-1 in the Big East). This win put the Friars in 3rd place in the Big East Conference. The two goals came from Joao Serrano ’20 from a free kick, and Danny Griffin ’20, with a counterattack goal in transition. Both occurred in the second half of the game. On the defensive side, goalie Colin Miller ’19 made two saves in the game and recorded his 3rd shutout of the season as well as the 16th shutout of his career. PC was able to defeat its second top-25 opponent this season.
The Friars were then ready to take on their next opponent, the University of Connecticut Huskies, on Tuesday night. Tiago Mendonca ’20 is currently leading the Friars with 4 goals and has started all 10 games this season. He is also tied for 8th most goals in the Big East. Miller is also leading the goalies of the Friars with 30 saves and 14 goals allowed, putting him 8th on the list for most saves in the Big East.
Sadly, the world is not all sunshine and rainbows; Mother Nature herself decided to make a visit to the Soccer New England night in Providence. While the Friars led the rainy match against UConn 1-0 by forward Andualem Chisolm ’22, lightning struck around the 60th minute of the second half, causing both the delay and the eventual call of the game with 30 minutes and 6 seconds remaining.
Per NCAA rules in soccer, since it did not reach the 70th minute, the game could not count. The match was ultimately put on record as a canceled. Word will come soon from the team on whether there will be a re-match. The Friars managed to play through a tough match, and can hopefully keep the momentum going in the coming days.
The road ahead after Uconn looks tough. This Saturday, Oct. 6, the Friars will take on Marquette University for the Friar Cup, and will continue the rest of their Big East play throughout the season.
PC Soccer Teams are Hopeful Contenders
by The Cowl Editor on August 30, 2018
Friar Sports
By Jack Belanger ’21
Sports Co-Editor
Last Fall, the Providence College Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams looked to build off their 2016 seasons in pursuit of Big East Championship wins.
Unfortunately, after finishing first in the Big East in 2016 and a run to the Elite Eight, PC’s men’s soccer team fell to fifth place in the conference finishing 5-8-5 overall in 2017, losing in the first round of the Big East Tournament.
While PC’s women’s team record did not drastically improve from 2016 to 2017, the team went from fifth to third place and made their way into the Big East Semifinals.
Both teams are in position for improvement, as the women’s team only lost four seniors, and the men still have several key players from the 2017 season.
Women’s Team
PC’s women’s soccer team has plenty to look forward to this season as four out of the top five point-scorers from last year return this season, including Hannah McNulty ’21 and Casey Estey ’19 who were tied for the team lead in goals with three.
Defenseman Katie Day ’19 and midfielder Kayla Steeves ’19 were named to the Preseason All-Big East Team. Last season, Day was named to the All-Big East First Team, while Steeves was named to the Second Team. Midfielder/forward Amber Birchwell ’21 was named to the All-Big East Freshmen Team as she was tied for third on the team in points.
PC’s goalkeeper, Shelby Hogan ’20RS was named the Big East Freshman of the Year last season, as she had seven shutouts last season and a 1.05 goals against average.
The team welcomes five new freshmen to the team, including Celina Falzarano ’22 and Hannah Morgan ’22, who play forward and defense respectively.
This season, the team will head down to Durham, North Carolina to play in the Duke Nike Classic, where they will play the University of North Carolina and Duke University.
The team is picked to finish fourth based on the Big East Preseason Coaches’ Poll, receiving 55 points, though third place Marquette University garnered only four more points than PC.
Georgetown University is picked to be the favorite after winning the championship last season.
Men’s Team
After a season that was filled with injuries and performance inconsistencies, the PC men’s soccer team comes into 2018 with plenty of hope of success with players returning and 10 new players in a strong incoming freshman class.
The team looks to find its next goal scorer as 2017 top goal scorer Mac Steeves ’17RS graduated and was drafted by the Major League Soccer team, the Houston Dynamo. The Friars hope midfielder Danny Griffin ’20 and midfielder/forward Alex DaCosta ’20 can fill the void left by Steeves.
Joao Serrano ’20RS led the team in assists and was second in points in 2017 at the center midfielder. Serrano is a captain this year and is one of the team’s better ball distributors.
In goal, Colin Miller ’19RS returns for his third season as the team’s starting goalkeeper. Last season, Miller had a 1.08 goals against average along with five shutouts, earning Big East Goalkeeper of the Week twice.
Miller, the 2016 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, was voted as the Big East Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and was voted to the All-Big East Preseason Team along with Griffin.
Two freshmen to watch are Kevin Vang ’22 and Ramzi Qawasmy ’22, who play midfield and defense respectively.
Midfielder Simon Fisher ’21 is also a potential breakout player. Fisher had a strong spring season and looks to give the team quality minutes on the field.
The Friars have the pieces to compete this year if all of their players can stay healthy and they can find a number one scoring option.
Looking around the league, Georgetown looks to repeat as league champions, while Xavier University also returns with a strong team.
PC has their home opener on Friday, August 31 at 7 p.m. against Boston College.
Fall Sports Wrap-Up
by The Cowl Editor on November 16, 2017
Friar Sports
By Joe Myko ’19
Sports Staff
As the year creeps further into November, fall sports at Providence College are beginning to wrap-up. With the exception of volleyball, all the fall sports have ended. Now, before we fully turn our attention to hockey, basketball, and other winter sports, let’s take a look back on an exciting fall season for PC athletics.
Cross Country:
Providence College’s Cross Country Teams remain ranked in regional and national polls this year for their performances, with the most recent and potentially most notable event being October’s Big East Cross Country Championships, in which the men’s team finished fourth overall.
The team began the season in impressive form on Sept. 2, managing to successfully sweep the University of New Hampshire Dual Meet. The men’s team also came in first at the Nassaney Invitational on Sept. 9, with Tom O’Neill ’18 winning the race.
The women finished second, behind Brown, with Millie Paladino ’18 coming in first. The women’s team successfully finished second in the Big East Cross Country Championships, with graduate student Catarina Rocha ‘17G impressively picking up the individual title. The women’s team also deserves praise for winning Battle-in-Beantown on the Sept. 22 for the third season in a row, as well as accumulating their third straight NCAA Northeast regional title.
Soccer:
The Providence College Men’s Soccer Team was ranked first in the New England Journal Division and in the Big East Preseason Coaches’ Poll this year, before they kicked off their season with a hard-fought loss againt the University of North Carolina on Aug. 25.
October’s game against Brown University was one of the most notable wins for the Friars, with Joao Serrano ’20 scoring the decisive golden goal in the 96th minute. On Nov. 8, former Friar Julian Gressel ’16 picked up the Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year award for his impressive performances for Atlanta United.
It was a successful season for goalkeeper Colin Miller ‘19RS, who has continued his good form from the last campaign where he earned the Big East goalkeeper of the year, with two consecutive Big East Goalkeeper of the Week awards.
The team was unfortunately knocked out of the Big East Tournament on Nov. 4, bested at the quarterfinal by Xavier University.
The Women’s Soccer Team secured Big East All-Tournament honors on Nov. 5, concluding a commendable season in which they made it to the semi-finals of the Big East competition, before losing 3-0 to Butler University on Nov. 2. Two Friars, Katie Day ’19 and Hannah McNulty ’21, were also picked for the All-Tournament team for their impressive performances through the season.
Field Hockey:
photo courtesy of Kara Sanford ’20
The field hockey team concluded an incredible season with a hard-fought loss in the Big East semi-finals, losing 3-0 to top-ranked University of Connecticut on Nov. 3. The Friars were very successful in the Big East field hockey post-season awards, which were released on Nov. 2, with four different players earning honors.
Defender Manon van Weezel ’21 picked up the Freshman of the Year award. She was also unanimously selected for the All-Big East First Team, alongside midfielder Megan Hamilton ’18. Defender Corinne Kenney ’19 and goalkeeper Megan Guilbert ’18 also deserve congratulations for accumulating All-Big East second team honors.
Volleyball:
Prior to the season commencing on Aug. 25, in a 3-0 win against University of Alabama Birmingham, the volleyball team was awarded team academic honors from American Volleyball Coaches Association for their 2016-17 season.
Providence College’s volleyball team then went on to sweep the Hatter Classic on Sept. 2, as well as the 13th Annual Friar Classic on Sept. 9. In terms of individual honors, McKenzie Lydon ’21 and Allison Barber ’21 both deserve praise for picking up Freshman of the Week awards in August and September, respectively.
Most recently, the team just dropped a match against Xavier University, losing three sets to one. The team will look to get back in the win column on Nov. 17 versus Georgetown University. The Friars will close out their season at Villanova University on Nov. 18.
Why Soccer is the Hardest Sport to Officiate
by The Cowl Editor on November 16, 2017
PCI
By Ethan Ticehurst ’18
Sports Staff
The hardest sport to officiate is soccer and there are several reasons why this is true. Soccer is a fast-paced game where many fouls are left up to the referees’ judgement which inevitably leads to some disagreement.
In soccer, the game moves quickly.There are no stoppages of play like in football where players can take a quick breather between plays. It is a constant state of free-for-all where the ball is up for grabs and whoever gets there first controls the entire game. There is no allotted time to change between offense and defense; it has to be done on the fly with no warning. There is an attempt by the players to bring order to the game, by running plays and executing passes at the right time, but nothing can change the chaos that exists within soccer.
Imagine being an official in the middle of all of this. There are certain rules that cannot be broken, such as when the ball goes out of bounds. Everything else that happens on that field is at the discretion of the officials, who have to decide in a short amount of time whether or not a breach of the rules occurred, such as tripping the opponents or when slide-tackling, making contact with the player before making contact with the ball.
Soccer is a physical game, with players diving all around the field in pursuit of the ball. Contact with one’s fellow players happens frequently. The officials cannot see everything that happens on a soccer field, for it is too big for that to be possible. There will obviously be plays that should have been called fouls that go unseen. There will be handballs that will not be noticed. The life of a soccer official can be a tough one, with the expectations of the fans and players coming into conflict with what is humanly possible to see.