Black and Gold fall short at URI, 3-1

MEN'S SOCCER STRUGGLES TO FIND BACK OF NET, DROPS TOUGH DECISION AT URI, 3-1 SUNDAY NIGHT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Paced by a hat trick from URI's Matt Sykes, the Bryant University men's soccer team fell to Rhode Island, 3-1, Sunday night in Kingston, R.I.

Second round action of the Ocean State Classic brought on more offensive struggles for the Bulldogs (1-3) as they only managed to muster the single goal Sunday night. With the win, the Rams (1-2) earn their first victory of the 2013 season, closing the first week of September on a winning note.

After 27 scoreless minutes, Sykes put the home team on the board in the 28th minute for his first marker of the year off an assist from Mike Discavage. Less than 10 minutes later, Sykes collected the ball of a deflection inside the box to put home his second of the contest, extending the URI lead, 2-0.

Bryant cut the deficit in half just minutes before the opening period came to a close as junior defender Shane Murphy (Wilmington, Del.) set up sophomore Jake Lamar (New Haven, Conn.) for his second goal of the year off a well-placed corner.

Despite gaining some momentum coming out of the locker room, the Black and Gold were unable to close the gap as Sykes solidified the victory for the Rams in the 72nd minute with his third tally of the match.

The relentless Rhode Island offensive attack was constant throughout the entire 90 minutes as they Rams outshot the visiting Bulldogs, 19-11, including 12 shots on goal. Bryant keeper Chris Knaub (Yarmouth, Maine) made a season-high nine saves in his fourth start of the year, while Thomas Spenser earns his first victory of 2013.

After scoring three goals in their season-opener at Lehigh, the Bulldogs have only found the back of the net twice in three games. The Bulldogs will have four days to prepare for their next action when they venture to UMass Lowell on Thursday, before returning to Smithfield for their home opener on Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Rider.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University men's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.