Oct. 19, 2007

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Colleen Dowd scored her first career goal, while Deb Nelson tallied her team-leading 10th in 2007, as Rhode Island earned a 2-0 home victory over La Salle in Atlantic 10 action tonight at the URI Soccer Complex.

In a game played under driving rain and winds, the Rams (10-3-2, 4-1-1 A-10) earned their fifth shutout victory of the season over the Explorers.

Dowd found the back of the net in the 28th minute of action, scoring off a header on a pass set up off a set piece from Dora Larusdottir. That score would hold up through the first 45:00 of action, as Rhody took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, the Rams had several good opportunities before Nelson was set up on well-played touches from Larusdottir and Taylor Kinsley in the 81st minute.

"I'm very proud of way we played tonight, despite tough conditions. No matter what - in good weather or bad - you still have to play with total effort and make the most of your opportunities," head coach Zac Shaw said. "The second goal by Deb was important because La Salle is a very skilled team and they play good, organized defense. I'm also very happy for Colleen Dowd to get her first career goal. She plays such an important role for our defense, which as a whole was terrific tonight."

For the game, URI outshot the Explorers, 17-6. La Salle attempted seven corner kicks to just one for Rhody. La Salle was whistled for three offsides penalties to two for URI.

Rhode Island returns to action on Sunday when it hosts Fordham at the URI Soccer Complex at 1 p.m.