Providence-Hofstra men's soccer for the Projo
Game-winning o.t. goal propels Friars
But Providence College must now face powerhouse North Carolina on Tuesday.
BY DENIS GORMAN
Special to the Journal
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The dream season continues.
Senior Forward Eion Lynch's leaping header five minutes into overtime (95:05) was the only goal in Providence's 1-0 win over Hofstra University last night. The Friars now advance to play perennial power North Carolina on Tuesday. Sophomore midfielder Alex Bury was credited with the assist on Lynch's goal. The goal was Providence's first in overtime, after an NCAA record 12 games.
"It's obviously an exciting night for our program," said head coach Chaka Daley. "It's a massive step forward for the program. We hadn't been to the NCAA Tournament in 22 years. To come to Hofstra and find a way to win in extra time was tremendous."
In the extra time, Bury lifted a perfect corner kick that Lynch headed past Hofstra goalkeeper Matthias Gumbrecht. Before the ball landed in the net, Lynch, Bury and the Friars were celebrating at midfield with the contingent of Providence fans that made the trip to New York.
"I was able to get a head on it and redirect it," said Lynch, with a wry smile. "I started sprinting; I knew there was a lot of our alumni at the middle of the stands. I was trying to get to them."
In the game's first 45 minutes, Hofstra pressed the Friars, forcing turnovers at midfield. However, Providence's defense bottled the middle of the field up, not allowing the Pride any shots from in close. "At halftime, the game was probably too direct for our liking," Daley said. "I give all the credit to my players for hanging in there; we weren't spectacular by any means in the first half.
"We knew they score goals. We were concerned about individuals who can hurt you. Our defenders had a pretty good day. We didn't give [Hofstra senior forward Michael]Todd too many opportunities today."
The Friars controlled the attack in the second half, sparked by freshman forward Tim Ritter. On three separate occasions, Ritter had shots go just wide or off the crossbar. Providence attacked the Pride, who seemingly had no answer.
"I finally got into the game in the second half. I realized I could beat their backs with speed, so I used it," said the freshman from Weston, Mass. "I got into channels and got a couple chances. They didn't go in, but we're sitting here winners."
Providence didn't win a game last season, finishing with a 0-16 record. This season, the Friars tied their way into the NCAA Tournament, in certain critics' eyes. Daley wasn't shy about rebuking the criticism.
"I would hope so," Daley said when asked if the win put his program on the map. "I don't think many people thought we were deserving to get into the NCAA Tournament, as a result of having six wins and nine ties. Those ties are against some of the best teams in the country, being in the Big East.
"Seven teams make it [into the tournament]from the Big East and we're one of those seven. It does the Big East proud and shows the strength of our league."
Daley was upfront when asked about North Carolina on Tuesday. "As soon as Eion scored, I thought about North Carolina," Daley said matter-of-factly.
"We know they are a national powerhouse; it's a mountain to climb for our guys, but our guys will be prepared. They are looking forward to the challenge North Carolina presents."
Carolina will be a challenge, but Providence is dreaming. Still.
PC (1): Lynch; assist -- Bury. HOFSTRA (0). Halftime 0-0. End of regulation 0-0. Saves -- Konopka, PC, 4; Gumbrecht, H, 5. Records -- PC 7-3-9; H 14-5-3.
But Providence College must now face powerhouse North Carolina on Tuesday.
BY DENIS GORMAN
Special to the Journal
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The dream season continues.
Senior Forward Eion Lynch's leaping header five minutes into overtime (95:05) was the only goal in Providence's 1-0 win over Hofstra University last night. The Friars now advance to play perennial power North Carolina on Tuesday. Sophomore midfielder Alex Bury was credited with the assist on Lynch's goal. The goal was Providence's first in overtime, after an NCAA record 12 games.
"It's obviously an exciting night for our program," said head coach Chaka Daley. "It's a massive step forward for the program. We hadn't been to the NCAA Tournament in 22 years. To come to Hofstra and find a way to win in extra time was tremendous."
In the extra time, Bury lifted a perfect corner kick that Lynch headed past Hofstra goalkeeper Matthias Gumbrecht. Before the ball landed in the net, Lynch, Bury and the Friars were celebrating at midfield with the contingent of Providence fans that made the trip to New York.
"I was able to get a head on it and redirect it," said Lynch, with a wry smile. "I started sprinting; I knew there was a lot of our alumni at the middle of the stands. I was trying to get to them."
In the game's first 45 minutes, Hofstra pressed the Friars, forcing turnovers at midfield. However, Providence's defense bottled the middle of the field up, not allowing the Pride any shots from in close. "At halftime, the game was probably too direct for our liking," Daley said. "I give all the credit to my players for hanging in there; we weren't spectacular by any means in the first half.
"We knew they score goals. We were concerned about individuals who can hurt you. Our defenders had a pretty good day. We didn't give [Hofstra senior forward Michael]Todd too many opportunities today."
The Friars controlled the attack in the second half, sparked by freshman forward Tim Ritter. On three separate occasions, Ritter had shots go just wide or off the crossbar. Providence attacked the Pride, who seemingly had no answer.
"I finally got into the game in the second half. I realized I could beat their backs with speed, so I used it," said the freshman from Weston, Mass. "I got into channels and got a couple chances. They didn't go in, but we're sitting here winners."
Providence didn't win a game last season, finishing with a 0-16 record. This season, the Friars tied their way into the NCAA Tournament, in certain critics' eyes. Daley wasn't shy about rebuking the criticism.
"I would hope so," Daley said when asked if the win put his program on the map. "I don't think many people thought we were deserving to get into the NCAA Tournament, as a result of having six wins and nine ties. Those ties are against some of the best teams in the country, being in the Big East.
"Seven teams make it [into the tournament]from the Big East and we're one of those seven. It does the Big East proud and shows the strength of our league."
Daley was upfront when asked about North Carolina on Tuesday. "As soon as Eion scored, I thought about North Carolina," Daley said matter-of-factly.
"We know they are a national powerhouse; it's a mountain to climb for our guys, but our guys will be prepared. They are looking forward to the challenge North Carolina presents."
Carolina will be a challenge, but Providence is dreaming. Still.
PC (1): Lynch; assist -- Bury. HOFSTRA (0). Halftime 0-0. End of regulation 0-0. Saves -- Konopka, PC, 4; Gumbrecht, H, 5. Records -- PC 7-3-9; H 14-5-3.
posted by Denis P. Gorman at 3:05 AM
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