Aug. 27, 2004

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The University of Rhode Island women's soccer team opened its season Friday against a Southern California team that returned eight starters off a team that reached the NCAA Tournament last fall, but the Rams gave the Trojans a scare in a 3-2 loss in the Nike Seminole Classic. Rhode Island senior Claire Landon (Bedford, N.H.) and junior Megan Kasparek (Trumbull, Conn.) each scored goals for the Rams. Junior Melanie Kasparek (Trumbull, Conn.) and senior Kelly McTurk (Niantic, Conn.) each had assists. Junior Kirsten Marra (Wallingford, Conn.) made eight saves in goal for the Rams (0-1-0). USC (1-0-0) has reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last six seasons and were nationally ranked last fall, but the Rams didn't back down, despite falling behind 2-0 in the first 15 minutes of the game. The Trojans scored eight minutes into the game when Rosa Anna Tantillo found the back of the net from 20 yards out. USC made it 2-0 just five minutes later when Ashley Casas one-timed a shot off an assist from Jocelyn Leche from six yards out. The Rams were quick to respond when McTurk took a free kick from 40 yards out and Landon was there to head the ball past USC keeper Julie Peterson to cut the gap to 2-1 in the 14th minute. In the 16th minute the Rams had their first Kasparek to Kasparek connection of the 2004 season as Melanie assisted on a goal by Megan to tie the game. That's how the score remained at the half, but USC scored the game-winner eight minutes into the second half when Shannon Cross scored on a header from just in front of the goal. Rhode Island returns to action on Sunday at 11 a.m. against No. 14-ranked Arizona State.