Providence Tops Men's Soccer, 1-0

Sept. 23, 2006

MILWAUKEE - Despite limited chances by each team, Providence scored in the 40th minute to defeat Marquette, 1-0, in men's soccer action.

The Friars logged the game's only goal in the first half. After Marquette had thwarted the initial Providence attack, the Friars regained control of the ball. Michael Narciso turned to the corner and fed a centering pass that Jonathan Metcalf hit with his right foot to the bottom corner of the goal.

"After the initial attack, we let them get round to the outside," head coach Louis Bennett said. "Dan Addis had just come on as a sub and had trouble with containing (Narciso). That was a role he (Addis) wasn't accustomed to, coming on as a sub. It's no excuse, but that was the situation."

Neither team offered many chances, as is the style of Providence (6-2, 4-1 BIG EAST). The Friars are prone to play a mild attack and will try to limit opportunities on the opposition's end.

"Providence is a team that you aren't going to get 15 chances on," Bennett said. "They put a lot of people behind the ball and it's not going to be a back and forth type game. Providence is solid and pragmatic about their attack."

Even though limited, Marquette (1-8-1, 0-5 BIG EAST) did create a few chances, especially in the second half. Sophomore Jamie Zarse drew a foul in the 55th minute that created a free kick from 22 yards out. Senior Nathan Sabich bent it toward goal, but it was saved by Providence keeper Chris Konopka. A foul by Providence's Matt Otte crated a free kick from 30 yards out that freshman Billy Von Rueden placed high.

"Early on, we were doing what we were supposed to do, getting crosses and getting the ball deep in their end," said junior Mike Carlson. "When we are able to do that, it works for us. After we gave up the goal, I thought we had control still, we just got away from our game plan."

MU's best chance came in the 77th minute when senior Matt Blouin drew a foul just outside the penalty area. Blouin took the free kick that cleared the wall, but was just high.

"It's hard to get a ball up and down like that in 18 yards," Bennett said of Blouin's attempt. "I thought, however, he played a good game today, creating space and getting chances."

In addition to Blouin, Bennett also praised freshman Hector Navarro, who had to think more about defensive responsibilities than in previous games.

"We played a different formation with three back and four in the midfield. That sent Hector to a wide midfield and he had to drop back on defense more today," Bennett said. "He took a step forward with his play today."

For the first time this season, Bennett appeared on the sideline without his usual shirt and tie attire and opted for a more casual sweats and soccer boots approach. He said that he has to teach more this season than coach during a game, thus the shift to teaching attire instead of coaching wear. Even with the change, he is still focused on a positive result.

"With teaching, you address things immediately as they happen. It's important for them to understand what's going on out there," Bennett said. "I'm more annoyed today about not picking up three points (for a win) or one point (for a tie). It's not like we're a million miles away from where we need to be or even 100 miles. We're close and that's what the teaching is for, to address the little mistakes."

Bennett said the teaching was more necessary as he started six freshman and played three more in the contest.

The Golden Eagles return to action on Wednesday, September 27 against Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Ind., at 7 p.m. EST.