Rhode Island Uses Last-Minute Goal to Outlast Men's Soccer

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Kingston, R.I. – Greg Balicki’s goal in the 90th minute led the University of Rhode Island to a 3-2 victory over the University at Albany men’s soccer team at the URI Soccer Complex on Friday, Sept. 12. Senior Mikael McNamara scored his first career goal for the Great Danes in the 89th minute to tie up the match, but Balicki and the Rams answered right back with the game winner just eight seconds later to seal the victory.

UAlbany (3-2) got on the scoreboard first in the 26th minute when Claudio Dantas connected with Shaun Kane. It was Kane’s second goal of the season and fourth of his career in just eight matches.

URI (2-1) responded with the equalizer right before halftime in the 44th minute. Dwayne Williams sent a pass through the UAlbany defense to Erkko Puranen, and the freshman beat goalkeeper Steward Ceus on a breakaway opportunity.

The Rams took their first lead of the match when Puranen netted his second goal of the evening in the 71st minute through a scrum of players from both teams. UAlbany had a tremendous scoring opportunity in the 81st minute, but Dantas’ shot hit the crossbar and Konner McNamara’s attempt off the rebound sailed high.

With time winding down, the Great Danes were able to net the equalizer in the 89th minute with just 1:06 left on the clock when Mikael McNamara cut through traffic and scored his first career goal. Erik DiLorenzo and Kane were credited with assists on the play. Just eight seconds later following the kickoff, Balicki’s shot from 18 yards out would stand as the game winner for the Rams.

UAlbany’s Ceus stopped eight of the 11 shots he faced on net. URI’s Chris Pennock turned away one of the three shots he saw on goal and was credited with the victory.

The Great Danes will be back in action when they visit Cornell on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.


UAlbany (3-2) 1 1 - 2

Rhode Island (2-1) 1 2 - 3

UAlbany: Scoring – Shaun Kane (1-1), Mikael McNamara (1-0) Claudio Dantas (0-1), Erik DiLorenzo (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 3 GA, 8 saves).

Rhode Island: Scoring – Erkko Puranen (2-0), Greg Balicki (1-0), Dwayne Williams (0-1), Gary Crooks (0-1). Goalkeeping – Chris Pennock (90:00, 2 GA, 1 save).