Bryant to meet No. 11 Brown on Labor Day

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The Bryant University men's soccer team will look to upset No. 11 Brown University in the consolation round of the second annual Ocean State Soccer Classic on Monday (Sept. 5) afternoon at the URI Soccer Complex in Kingston, R.I.  Game time is set for 5 p.m.

After dropping a heartbreaker to URI in the tournament's opening round on Sept. 2, the Bulldogs (0-1) will look to upset a ranked opponent for the first time in the program's Division-I history.  The Bears (0-1) were upset in the opening round to unranked Providence College, falling 1-0 at Glay Field.

In last Friday's game, the Black and Gold started the season strong on a strong note, but ultimately fell after Joey Haught found the back of the net off a set piece in the 89th minute of regulation, sending the Bulldogs to the consolation round on a tough 1-0 defeat.  Each team had their chances in a game that was defined by its physical play, with both squads combining for 41 total fouls, six yellow cards and one red card.

Bryant and Brown have met three times since 2008, with the Bears taking all three contests.  Most recently, Brown came away with a 4-0 decision on Sept. 3, 2010, in last year's opening round of the first installment of the Ocean State Soccer Classic.  Current senior Taylor Gorman struck for a pair of markers in that game.

The Bears are led by senior Sean Rosa, who led the team in scoring in 2010 with 17 points (6g, 5a), along with junior Thomas McNamara (3g, 4a, 10p).  New to the fray is freshman goaltender Alex Carr, who started the Bears' only game of the season so far.  The Hamilton, New Zealand native steps into the spot left by graduating senior Paul Grandstrand, who started all of Brown's 20 games last year - recording an impressive 0.57 GAA to go with a .852 SV%.  The Bears are coming off a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

In the other opening round game, PC sophomore forward Greg Davis broke a scoreless deadlock in the 69th minute to help lead the Friars to a 1-0 victory and propel them to the championship game against host URI.  PC keeper Jhogan Obando was able to pick up five saves in goal to keep Brown off the scoreboard.  

After tomorrow's affair, the Bulldogs will hit the road for a pair of games starting with a 3 p.m. matchup against Rider next Sunday in Lawrenceville, N.J.  The Black and Gold's next home game falls on Sept. 20, when Bryant hosts Army for a 4 p.m. contest.

For continuing coverage of Bryant men's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.