Alabama Soccer Falls to Rhode Island, 1-0

Sunday, September 6

North Kingston, R.I.

6:00 p.m

Alabama

1-3-2

Rhode Island

3-1-1

Alabama

Rhode Island

Alabama Soccer Falls to Rhode Island, 1-0

9/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - The Alabama soccer team was defeated by the Rhode Island Rams by a final score of 1-0 on Sunday night at URI Soccer Complex. Rhode Island's Ari Stanton capitalized on the Rams' only shot on goal of the night, scoring the match-decider with just over seven minutes remaining in the contest. With the loss, Alabama falls to 1-3-2, while Rhode Island improves to 3-1-1.

Tonight's highly-physical battle saw a combined 18 fouls between the two teams and just six total shots on goal. Stanton's game-winner in the 82nd minute was the Rams' only shot on goal of the night. Entering tonight's action, senior goalkeeper Emily Rusk had notched three-straight shutout performances, and surrendered tonight's only goal after reeling off 459 consecutive scoreless minutes.

"I do not blame our lack of results on effort," said head coach Wes Hart. "Our girls are playing hard, and they want to win. Their mentality is awesome. We are looking forward to getting back to work and preparing for the start of SEC play next week."

Alabama outshot the Rams, 10-6 - including a 7-4 advantage in the second half - attacking the Rams end of the field from start to finish. The Tide set up several crossing opportunities and had five shots on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net.

"We continue to have some nice build ups, but our attack fizzles as we get closer to the goal," said Hart. "We probably had a half dozen quality crossing opportunities that we kicked out of bounds. We had several good looks at goal where we either missed the target or just shot to the goalkeeper."

Rhode Island broke through with just over seven minutes to play, as Chelsea Gates and Ari Stanton executed a give and go inside the box leading to Stanton's third goal of the 2015 season. Alabama had replaced its left back with an additional attacker to maintain the aggressive approach on the offensive side of the field.

"We made an aggressive adjustment in hopes of getting a goal and they found their way behind us and were able to capitalize."

Following tonight's action, Alabama will return to Tuscaloosa to face its first Southeastern Conference opponent of the season, welcoming LSU to the Alabama Soccer Complex on Friday, Sept. 11. The match between the Tide and Tigers is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be available on SECN+.

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