SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In an exciting match, the Bryant University men’s soccer team secured its first win of the season against the University of Rhode Island (URI), winning 2-0. This victory improves their record to 1-0-1, while URI falls to 0-1-1.
The first half was scoreless, but the Bulldogs found their rhythm in the second half. Abdel Talabi scored off a perfectly placed corner kick by Jaime Amaro at the 69th minute. Just five minutes later, Paco Fernandez scored a stunning free kick from 25 yards out, curling the ball into the net.
The key moment came when Bryant scored two quick goals. This set the pace for the rest of the game, allowing them to maintain their lead without much challenge from URI.
Game Highlights:
- Final Score: Bryant 2, URI 0
- Goals:
- 69:50 – Talabi scores from a corner kick.
- 75:00 – Fernandez scores from a free kick.
- 75:28 – URI’s Theo Harris nets one, but it wasn’t enough.
Stats:
- Shots: Bryant outshot URI 13-5.
- Shots on Goal: 6-1 in favor of Bryant.
- Corner Kicks: 4-2 advantage for Bryant.
- Talabi’s goal marked the first of the season and the fourth of his career, while Fernandez’s goal was his first as a Bulldog.
- Amaro achieved his first collegiate point with the assist.
The win marks an important step for Bryant as they look to build momentum. In their history, they have now faced URI 12 times, with Bryant holding a record of 3-6-3 against them. Interestingly, they are undefeated in their last three meetings with the Rams, showing an upward trend in their performance.
Next, the Bulldogs will continue their homestand, taking on Lafayette this Saturday at 6:00 PM.
For more updates on the team, check out their Instagram: Bryant Men’s Soccer.
This win is not just a morale booster; it also reflects a growing trend in collegiate soccer where teams are increasingly utilizing set pieces to gain decisive advantages. Recent studies suggest that set pieces account for a significant percentage of goals in soccer, emphasizing their importance in match strategy.
