September 9, 2008

MEN'S SOCCER GEARS UP FOR PITT INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT THIS WEEKEND

SMITHFIELD, RI- After getting its first Division I victory under their belts, the Bryant University men's soccer team looks to build off that win in a weekend tournament at the University of Pittsburgh. The Bulldogs took down the University of Richmond on Sunday, 2-0, after losing their first two matches of the season at Marquette, 4-1, and at VCU, 3-0. This weekend, Coach Purcell's squad is ready to take on Pitt Friday night (7 p.m.)  and Robert Morris Sunday afternoon (12 p.m.) at the Pitt Men's Soccer Invitational Tournament.

Scouting the Panthers
The Pittsburgh Panthers are coming off a 2007 season where they finished just 3-13-2 overall, 1-9-1 in the Big East Conference. The program has fallen on some difficult seasons, as they have no posted a winning record since the 2000 campaign when they went 13-5-0 before being eliminated by Seton Hall in the Big East Tournament. But the Panthers have started off 2008 on the right foot, registering a record of 2-1-1 through their first four games. After dropping the first game of the season, 2-1, versus Albany, Pitt has recorded three straight shutouts, including a 1-0 win versus Rider, a 0-0 tie at Duquesne and a 2-0 win over Robert Morris.

Red shirt seniors Jordan Marks (McMurray, Pa.) and Eric Barnes (Aiken, S.C.) have split time in net for the Panthers. Each have started two games while appearing in three while giving up just one goal. In 180 minutes, Marks has made nine saves out of 10 on net and has both of the wins for Pitt on the season. Barnes has made 15 saves while holding a 0.45 goals against average.

Junior forward Chris Wilcox (Pittsburgh, Pa.) leads the Panthers in scoring off the bench, registering one goal and one assist (three points), while appearing in all four matches. Pitt has shown a very balanced attack with five different players finding the back of the net this season.

Scouting the Colonials
The Robert Morris University Colonials (0-3-0) are in search of their first win of the season after dropping their first three decisions of 2008. RMU has suffered defeats to Rider, 2-1, Albany, 1-0, and Pitt, 3-0. The roster is very young, boasting just six seniors as well as 10 freshmen. They will take on Western Michigan in their first game of the tournament before meeting up with the Bulldogs.

Despite a 0-3-0 record, the Colonials have outshot opponents 42-41 in their first three games, but have been outscored 6-1, while managing to get just 36% of their shots on target. The lone goal on the season came from freshman David Torrance (Glasgow, Scotland) with an assist from senior John DelGreco (Pittsburgh, Pa.) against Rider.

Shooting Gallery
The Bulldogs have been outshot 48-28 through three games this year, giving up an average of 16 shots a game. Bryant goalies have made 16 saves so far this season, compared to just seven for opponents. Bulldog opponents have put 48% of their shots on target.

Fresh Faces
The Bulldog roster features 14 freshman this year, as well as two transfers. The new class has accounted for six of the eight total points for the team. Freshman Robb Rodriguez (North Branford, Conn.) leads the team three points (1g, 1a), while classmates Ben Mello (Rehoboth, Mass.) and Anthony Restivo (Lisbon, Conn.) have tallied one goal and one assist respectively.  

The Bulldogs will be in action Friday night against Pittsburgh (7 p.m.) and Sunday afternoon against Robert Morris (12 p.m.). Check www.bryantbulldogs.com for updates this weekend.