Salve Regina Strikes Men’s Soccer After Lightning Delay

NEWPORT, R.I. – On a soaking wet Reynolds Field, following a 90-minute delay for inclement weather, which included rain, thunder and lightning, the Suffolk men's soccer team could not overcome a 3-0 half-time deficit and the Rams fell at Salve Regina, 5-0.

Salve Regina (2-2-1) peppered shots at junior keeper Ianis Teixeira from the outset. Graduate student Kyle Knoth fed sophomore Richie Finizio for the first score of the game in the 23rd minute. Finizio started a corner kick with a short pass to freshman Matthew O'Connell, who dribbled into the box before swinging his left foot for his first collegiate goal.

Another first goal came from freshman John Julian, who finished off a one-touch from Finizio (after the sophomore took a throw in from senior back Mark Marino.

Building a 3-0 lead at the half, the Seahawks outshot the Rams (0-3) by 11 to two. 

Suffolk subbed in freshman David Haines for keeper duties in the second half.

While Dudney did not disregard O'Rourke's orders, he displayed an ability to finish in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Dudney scored his third goal of the season with classmate Nolan Brady  providing the assist in the 56th minute. Less than three minutes later, Julian carried the ball up the right sideline before sending a lead pass up to Dudney. Dudney continued into the corner before crossing over with his attack in the box.

O'Rourke shuttled subs in and out the remainder of the game to provide rest for regulars and experience for several newcomers. Payan finished with two saves; Teixeira had one save in the first half and Haines stopped two in the second half.

In its first annual Rams' Fan Fest, Suffolk hosts Mount Ida at James A. Sartori Stadium at 4:30 p.m.