Box Score | Ribbens Goal | Postgame Interviews

KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island senior goalkeeper Anthony Tavares stopped all four shots he faced - earning a shutout victory in his first career start - as Rhody downed Fordham, 1-0, on Senior Day at the URI Soccer Complex. The win was URI's first since defeating Siena in overtime back on Sept. 18.

Sophomore Matt Ribbens put the Rams on the board just 16 minutes into the game when he found the back of the net off a pass from redshirt freshman Joey Haught. Sophomore Jamie Eckmayer started the play when he made a run down the field before connecting with Haught, who took the ball to the edge of the box where he was blocked by a trio of Fordham defenders. Haught then touched the ball out to Ribbens, who blasted a shot through Fordham's defense and past keeper Ryan Meara for his first collegiate tally as well what proved to be the game-winner.

Rhode Island (3-11-2, 1-5-1) nearly doubled its lead eight minutes later - on a chip shot by senior Michael Tanke that went just wide of the goal - and again when Meara stopped an attempt by senior Dwayne Williams.

For the half, URI held a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal.

Fordham (9-7-0, 4-3-0) came back from the break looking for the equalizer but was kept off the board thanks to a solid defensive effort by Rhody's back line and three key saves - including a diving stop - by Tavares.

For the game, Rhode Island held a 5-4 edge in shots on goal while Fordham had six corners compared to URI's three.

Prior to the start of the game, URI held a brief ceremony to honor its six graduating seniors: Greg Balicki, Jonathan Pereira, Matt Preyss, Michael Tanke, Anthony Tavares and Dwayne Williams.

The Rams return to action on Friday, when they travel to Saint Louis for an 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) match against the Billikens.