TicketsSept. 19, 2008
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) made six saves and posted his fourth shutout in six matches this season, helping the University of Cincinnati men's soccer team to a 0-0, double overtime draw in its BIG EAST opener at No. 20/17 Providence on Friday afternoon (Sept. 19) at Glay Field.
"I thought we had the right mindset and battled well the entire match," said head coach Hylton Dayes. "We played especially well in the first half and created some quality scoring chances. Overall, I think it is a fair result and a well-earned point on the road."
The Bearcats (2-2-2, 0-0-1 BIG EAST) and Friars (3-0-3, 1-0-1) have built quite the rivalry since UC joined the BIG EAST in 2005. The two clubs have met five times in four seasons, including each of the last three years in the BIG EAST Tournament. PC holds a 2-1-2 mark, but UC is 1-0-1 against the Friars in the last two meetings after knocking PC out of the 2007 BIG EAST Tournament.
The Bearcats are now 0-1-2 this season against ranked opponents, playing No. 25 Loyola (Ill.) to a 0-0 draw at Gettler Stadium on Sept. 1.
The Bearcats defense bounced back after allowing four goals against Kentucky last weekend, posting its fourth clean sheet of the season.
Williams saw his goals against average drop under 1.00, settling at 0.93 after his fourth career shutout.
Sophomore attacker Nick Weightmann (Lenark, Scotland/St. Aiden's) led the Bearcats with five shots, including three on target. PC outshot UC, 15-10.
Providence goalkeeper Tim Murray earned his fifth shutout of the season, making five saves.
The Bearcats will face another challenge on the road when they take on No. 7/4 Connecticut on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium. UC is 2-0-0 against UConn, including a 2-0 win in 2005 when the Huskies came to Gettler Stadium as the No. 1 team in the nation.