Aug. 5, 1999

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The 1998 Providence College men's soccer team enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in the history of the program. With a 9-9-1 record, it marked the first time the Friars earned nine victories in a season since 1987. It also was the first time PC finished .500 or better since 1990. More significantly, the 1998 squad will be remembered as the first Friar soccer team to finish with a winning record in BIG EAST Conference action. PC's 6-4-1 league mark earned the squad a fifth-place finish and a berth in the BIG EAST Playoffs for the first time since 1987. Ironically, five games into the 1998 season it appeared as though the Friars were headed for a disastrous campaign. PC began the season with a hard-fought 3-0 loss at 10th-ranked Connecticut. In the next three games the team showed little improvement as PC scored only one goal in losses to Vermont (1-0) on September 5, New Hampshire (2-1) on September 6 and Fairfield (1-0) on September 11.

On September 18 and 20, the Friars played two BIG EAST road games that signalled a dramatic turnaround in the team's fortunes. The Friars played at St. John's on September 18 and suffered their worst defeat of the season as the Red Storm shutout PC, 8-0. The St. John's game served as a wake-up call for the Friars as two days later they earned their first win of the season with a 1-0 overtime victory against Syracuse. Sophomore John Costigan (Dublin, Ireland) scored in the 104th minute to give the Friars their first win against the Orangemen since 1990. Dan Pires (Ludlow, Mass.) played a strong game in net, making a season-high 12 saves.

Following the Syracuse win, the Friars won their next three games, allowing only one goal in 270 minutes of play. The season of firsts continued for the Friars as they defeated Harvard, 2-1, on September 23 at Glay Field for their first win ever against the Crimson. Forward Kevin Jones (Westford, Mass.) recorded his first collegiate multiple-goal game. On September 27, PC recorded its second BIG EAST win of the season with a 2-0 shutout at Pittsburgh. Jones again was the offensive star for PC, recording his second consecutive two-goal game and earning BIG EAST Player of the Week for his efforts. Pires made eight stops in net for his sixth career shutout. The Friars won their fourth straight game with a 4-0 victory against the University of Rhode Island at Glay Field on September 29. The four goals would prove to be the Friars' highest single-game offensive output of the season.

With four consecutive wins, the Friars record stood at 4-5 and the team was closing in on the .500 mark. However, a disappointing 2-0 loss to West Virginia at Glay Field on October 3 sent the team into a tailspin which resulted in two more losses. On October 6, the Friars travelled across town and were defeated by a strong Brown University squad, 2-1. After a 10-day break, PC returned to action against 19th-ranked Rutgers at Glay Field. Rutgers defeated the Friars, 2-1, but PC proved it was ready to compete with some of the top teams in the country.

A 2-1 win against Notre Dame on October 21, gave the Friars their first win ever against the Fighting Irish and was the start of PC's five-game unbeaten streak. On October 24, Jones scored 3:20 into the second half for what proved to be the game-winning goal and give the Friars a 2-1 upset win over 11th ranked Georgetown. The Friars continued to roll with a 2-0 shutout against Boston College on October 28 for the team's first win against the Eagles since 1992. Pires registered 10 saves in his fourth shutout of the season. Playing its final BIG EAST league contest of the season, PC played to a 0-0 tie after 120 minutes of action against the Seton Hall Pirates in South Orange, N.J. Pires was impressive in goal, recording eight saves. With a 6-4-1 mark in league play, the Friars wrapped up a fifth-place finish and their first appearance in the BIG EAST Playoffs since 1987. Although the BIG EAST seedings were determined the Friars had one final regular-season game remaining on the schedule against Dartmouth. Playing with complete confidence, the Friars defeated a strong Dartmouth team, 3-1, at Glay Field on November 3. The win gave the Friars an impressive 7-2 mark at home during the 1998 season and the team's first win ever against the Big Green. On November 8, the Friars played at Georgetown in their first BIG EAST Playoff game since 1987. The resilient Friars entered the game playing their best soccer of season and holding a five-game unbeaten streak. Unfortunately, PC's season came to an end when Georgetown's Eric Kvello scored with 21 seconds remaining in the second overtime to give the Hoyas the win.

At the conclusion of the season, sophomore back John Costigan (Dublin, Ireland), junior midfielder Michael Eisenhut (Hanover, Mass.) and freshman back Kempes Corbally (Dublin, Ireland) all earned BIG EAST accolades. Costigan and Eisenhut were named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team and Corbally earned All-BIG EAST Rookie Team honors.

The 1998 PC men's soccer season was very successful. Head Coach Brian Ainscough continued his process of building one of the top soccer programs in New England. With all of the team's top five scorers returning in 1999, including team leader Kevin Jones (nine goals, four assists), the Friars have the potential to build upon this year's success and field a stronger team in 1999.

September 1 at Storrs, Conn. (Game 1)

Providence  (0-1, 0-1)   0   0   --   0
Connecticut (1-0, 1-0)   1   2   --   3

SCORING: UC, Maurizio Rocha (direct kick) :53, UC, Bobby Rhine (Luis Arauz) 73:37, UC, Rhine (Rocha) 98:24.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 8: UC, Matt Chavlovich 2 (75:45), Bryheem Hancock 0 (14:45).

Game Notes: Providence College was defeated in its season opener by 10th ranked Connecticut, 3-0. The Friars were forced to play a man-down for the entire second half after PC sophomore defender John Costigan was whistled for a red card with 6:23 remaining in the first half. PC goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded eight saves on 19 shots in the loss.

September 5 at Durham, N.H. (Game 2)

Providence (0-2)   0   0   --   0
Vermont    (1-0)   1   0   --   1

SCORING: V, Jason Allen (Armann Fenger) 28:20.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 8: V, Chris Rose 2

Game Notes: The Friars were defeated by the University of Vermont, 1-0, in the first game of the Nike/Pepsi Soccer Classic at Durham, N.H. It marked the second straight game the Friars were shutout. Vermont midfielder Jason Allen tallied the only goal of the game when he took a pass from forward Armann Fenger and blasted a shot from straight on that beat Friar goalkeeper Dan Pires high to the left. PC goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded eight saves on 14 shots in the loss.

September 6 at Durham, N.H. (Game 3)

Providence      (0-3)   0   1   --   1
New Hampshire (1-0-1)   0   2   --   2

SCORING: C, Alex Cortes (Brent Rahim, Maurizio Rocha) 34:52, PC, John Costigan (Michael Eisenhut) 87:22, PC, BOBBY BROWN (Eisenhut) 93:19.

SCORING: PC, Russell Corner (unassisted) 56:28, NH, Mike Keevan (unassisted) 58:06, NH, Adam Purcell (unassisted) 67:07.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 3: NH, Mitch Osman 3.

Game Notes: Providence College was defeated by UNH, 2-1, in the Nike/Pepsi Soccer Classic. PC freshman Russell Corner took advantage of a mistake by a Wildcat defender and blasted in the Friars' first goal of the season at the 56:28 mark. Friar netminder Dan Pires registered three saves.

September 11 at Fairfield, Conn. (Game 4)

Providence (0-4)   0   0   --   0
Fairfield  (4-1)   0   1   --   1

SCORING: F, Mark Dietz (Lee Williams) 76:04

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 5: F, Danny Glynn 3.

Game Notes: Providence College was defeated by Fairfield University, 1-0. Fairfield freshman forward Mark Dietz blasted a shot past PC goalkeeper Dan Pires at the 76:04 mark to break a 0-0 deadlock and tally the only goal of the game. PC goalkeeper Dan Pires played a strong game in net for the Friars, making several acrobatic saves which kept the Friars in the game. He ended the contest with five saves on 11 shots.

September 18 at Jamaica, N.Y. (Game 5)

Providence     (0-5, 0-2)   0   0   --   0
St. John's (4-1-1, 2-1-0)   5   3   --   8

SCORING: SJ, Paul Cusano (penalty kick) 2:14, SJ, Jimmy Buscemi (Ranford Champagnie, Dennis James) 14:28, SJ, Jeff Matteo (James) 24:39, SJ, Rob Wile (Buscemi) 29:47, SJ, Pablo Budna (Stylianos Papadopolous, Danny Parkin) 40:36, SJ, Anthony Theorides (Damon Albano) 62:38, SJ, Michael Taylor (Didier Rozeau, Theorides) 63:04, SJ, James (unassisted) 80:10.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 3 (45:00), Chris Tate 1 (45:00): SJ, Jeff Stoklosa 0 (45:00), Dan Popik 0 (45:00)

Game Notes: The Red Storm took control of the game early as Paul Cusano converted on a penalty kick just 2:14 into the contest to give St. John's a 1-0 lead. The Red Storm scored four more goals in the first half for a 5-0 lead after 45 minutes of play.

September 20 at Syracuse, N.Y. (Game 6)

Providence (1-5, 1-2)   0   0   1   --   1
Syracuse   (2-3, 2-2)   0   0   0   --   0

SCORING: PC, John Costigan (Andrew Bussman, Russell Corner) 104:50.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 12 (104:50): S, Dan Hobson 3 (104:50)

Game Notes: PC earned its first win of the season by defeating Syracuse University, 1-0, in overtime. The win gave the Friars their first victory against the Orangemen since 1990. PC sophomore back John Costigan provided the heroics for the Friars when he blasted in a rebound 14 minutes into overtime to record his first career game-winning goal. Providence goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded 12 saves while earning his fifth career shutout.

September 23 at Providence, R.I. (Game 7)

Harvard  (0-3-1)   1   0   --   0
Providence (2-5)   1   1   --   2

SCORING: H, Jonathan Oslowski (Armando Petrucelli, Nick Lenicheck) 33:27, PC, Kevin Jones (Andrew McConville) 39:20, PC, Jones (Andrew Bussman) 70:38.

SAVES: H, Jordan Dupuis 4: PC, Daniel Pires 6

Game Notes: PC defeated Harvard University, 2-1, to earn its first win ever against the Crimson. PC forward Kevin Jones (Westford, Mass.) led the Friar offense with two goals. It was his first career two-goal game and first game-winning goal. Friar goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded six saves in the win.

September 27 at Pittsburgh, Pa. (Game 8)

Providence     (3-5, 2-2)   1   1   --   2
Pittsburgh (4-2-2, 1-2-1)   0   0   --   0

SCORING: PC, Kevin Jones (Andrew McConville, Michael Eisenhut) 37:31, PC, Jones (Eisenhut) 46:51.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 8: P, Chris Hanlon 3.

Game Notes: PC won its third straight game by defeating Pittsburgh, 2-0. Forward Kevin Jones led the offense with his second consecutive two-goal game for the Friars. The Friars got on the scoreboard when Jones scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal at the 37:31 mark. Jones struck again 1:51 into the second half as he scored on a breakaway to give PC a two-goal lead. For his efforts, Jones earned BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week. Providence goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded eight saves on 14 shots while earning his sixth career shutout.

September 29 at Providence, R.I. (Game 9)

Rhode Island  (3-3-1)   0   0   -   0
Providence      (4-5)   1   3   -   4

SCORING: PC, Andy Bussmann (Michael Eisenhut) 42:24, PC, Chris Holterhoff (Kevin Jones, Eisenhut) 50:43, PC, Kevin Jones (Eisenhut, Andy McConville) 60:24, PC, Russell Corner (Bussmann) 89:10.

SAVES: R, George Karademetriou 0: PC, Daniel Pires 2

Game Notes: PC earned its fourth straight win with a 4-0 victory over URI. Forward Andy Bussman scored what proved to be the game-winning goal when he broke in on the left side and sent a high shot past the URI goalkeeper. Goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded two saves for the Friars and earned his third shutout of the season.

October 3 at Providence, R.I. (Game 10)

West Virginia (7-2, 3-2)   0   2   -   2
Providence    (4-6, 2-3)   0   0   -   0

SCORING:
SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 8, URI, Anthony Latronica 5. Game Winning or tying goal in CAPS

SCORING: WV, Matt Mahar (Tim Keating) 49:44, WV, Ji Pak (unassisted) 81:36.

SAVES: WV, Carlos Iga 5: PC, Daniel Pires 6

Game Notes: West Virginia defeated Providence College, 2-0, and ended the Friars' four-game winning streak. West Virginia freshman Matt Mahar broke a 0-0 tie when he headed in a corner kick to score what proved to be the game-winning goal at the 49:44 mark. Goalkeeper Dan Pires registered six saves in the loss.

October 6 at Providence, R.I. (Game 11)

Providence (4-7)   0   1   --   1
Brown      (7-2)   1   1   --   2

SCORING: B, Ryan Smith (Anders Kelto) 16:14, B, Adrian Rapp (Scott Powers) 76:52, PC, Michael Eisenhut (unassisted) 89:24.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires 3: B, Matthew Cross 4

Game Notes: Brown defeated PC, 2-1, at Brown. Brown took a 1-0 lead when Ryan Smith booted an 18-foot shot that deflected in off the crossbar at 16:14. Adrian Rapp scored at 76:52 to increase the Bears' lead to 2-0. The Friars cut the lead in half, 2-1, late in the game as junior midfielder Michael Eisenhut scored on a breakaway at 89:24. Goalkeeper Dan Pires registered three saves in the loss.

October 16 at Providence, R.I. (Game 12)

Rutgers  (9-4-2, 6-1)   3   1   --   4
Providence (4-8, 2-4)   2   1   --   3

SCORING: PC, Kevin Jones (Andy McConville) 14:03, R, Simon Forster (Scott McGinn) 75:15, R, Nick Ross (Chris Stewart) 88:27.

SAVES: R, Jonathan Conway 2: PC, Daniel Pires 6

Game Notes: Rutgers University defeated Providence College, 2-1, as sophomore back Nick Ross redirected a corner kick past Friar netminder Dan Pires with 1:33 remaining in the contest to give the 19th-ranked Scarlet Knights the win. PC sophomore forward Kevin Jones gave the Friars a 1-0 lead as he scored on a breakaway at 14:03. The Friars held off the Scarlet Knights until 14:45 remaining in the game when Rutgers scored off a rebound from a corner kick to even the game. Pires recorded six stops for the Friars.

October 18 at Providence, R.I. (Game 13)

Villanova (2-11, 0-9)   2   0   --   2
Providence (5-8, 3-4)   2   2   --   4

SCORING: PC, Andrew McConville (Kevin Jones) 20:51, V, Dave Francalangia (unassisted) 21:13, V, Brian Ahern (Tony Rod) 27:17, PC, Michael Eisenhut (Chris Holterhoff) 28:33, PC, McConville (unassisted) 78:07, PC, Kevin Jones (Matt O'Toole) 84:32

SAVES: V, Matt Malek 2: PC, Daniel Pires 5

Game Notes: PC ended a three-game losing streak with a 4-2 win against Villanova. Andrew McConville led the Friar offense with the first two-goal game of his career. Goalkeeper Dan Pires made five saves in the win.

October 21 at Providence, R.I. (Game 14)

Notre Dame (7-5-3, 3-4-2)   1   0   --   1   
Providence     (6-8, 4-4)   1   1   --   2

SCORING: ND, Shane Walton (Connor LaRose, Dustin Pridmore) 15:28, PC, Michael Eisenhut (penalty kick) 36:56, PC, Andrew Bussman (John Costigan) 78:45.

SAVES: ND, Greg Velho 5 PC, Daniel Pires 3.

Game Notes: PC defeated Notre Dame, 2-1 to earn its first win ever against the Fighting Irish. Providence tied the game at 1-1 when junior forward Michael Eisenhut scored on a penalty kick at the 36:56 mark. Andrew Bussman scored what proved to be the game-winning goal for the Friars when he blasted in the rebound from John Costigan's shot. Goalkeeper Dan Pires stopped three shots for the Friars.

October 24 at Providence, R.I. (Game 15)

Georgetown     (11-4)   0   1   --   1
Providence (7-8, 5-4)   1   1   --   2

SCORING: PC, Chris Holterhoff (Andrew Bussmann) 20:54, GU, Jason Partenza (Kenny Owens) 45:33, PC, Kevin Jones (Andrew McConville) 48:20

SAVES: G, Tyler Purtill 2: PC, Daniel Pires 4.

Game Notes: PC upset 11th-ranked Georgetown University, 2-1. Kevin Jone scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at the 48:20 mark when he broke free on a pass from Andrew McConville . With the win PC improved to 5-4 in BIG EAST action. Goalkeeper Dan Pires stopped four shots for the Friars.

October 28 at Providence, R.I. (Game 16)

Boston College (5-9-2, 2-7-1)   0   0   --   0
Providence         (8-8, 6-4)   1   1   --   2

SCORING: PC, Andrew McConville (Kevin Jones, Michael Eisenhut) 41:10, PC, Andrew Bussmann (T.J. Casey, Jones) 75:27.

SAVES: BC, Chris Hamblin 7: PC, Daniel Pires 10.

Game Notes: PC defeated Boston College, 2-0, and earned its first win against the Eagles since 1992. Andrew McConville scored what proved to be the game-winning goal when he redirected a pass from Michael Eisenhut at the 41:10 mark that beat BC goalkeeper Chris Hamblin (Bristol, England). Dan Pires stopped 10 shots for the Friars and earned his fourth shutout of the season.

October 31 at South Orange, N.J. (Game 17)

Providence  (8-8-1, 6-4-1)   0   0   0   0   --   0
Seton Hall (10-3-4, 5-3-3)   0   0   0   0   --   0

SCORING: None

SAVES: PC,Daniel Pires (120:00) 8: SH, Derek Martin (120:00) 3

Game Notes: PC goalkeeper Dan Pires recorded eight

SAVES and earned his fifth shutout of the season as the Friars played to a 0-0 tie with the 13th ranked Pirates. For his efforts, Pires was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week. PC wrapped up its BIG EAST regular-season schedule with a 6-4-1 mark and a fifth place finish. It marked the first time the Friars ever posted a winning mark in BIG EAST play.

November 4 at Hanover, N.H. (Game 18)

Dartmouth  (9-5-1)   0   1   --   1
Providence (9-8-1)   1   2   --   3

SCORING: PC, Gary Corrigan (Bobby Brown, Chris Holterhoff) 2:55, PC, Kevin Jones (Russell Corner) 34:39, PC, Russell Corner (Jim Riccobono, Michael Eisenhut) 53:50, D, Brad Christof (Nick Magnuson) 73:52.

SAVES: D, Matt Nyman 2, PC,Daniel Pires (45:00) 3, Chris Tate (45:00) 5.

Game Notes: The Friars completed the 1998 regular season with a 3-1 win against Dartmouth. It was the Friars first win ever against the BIg Green. Senior Gary Corrigan tallied his first collegiate goal in his final game. PC finished the season with a 7-2 record in home games.

November 8 at Washington, D.C. (Game 19)
BIG EAST QUARTERFINALS

Providence  (9-9-1)   0   0   0   0   --   0
Georgetown (14-5-0)   0   0   0   1   --   1

SCORING: G, Eric Kvello (Khary Robinson, Kevin Shaw) 119:39.

SAVES: PC, Daniel Pires (119:39) 4: G, Tyler Purtill (119:39) 6.

Game Notes: Through 90 minutes of play PC and Georgetown were tied at 0-0 in the Friars' first BIG EAST Playoff game since 1987. The teams remained tied trough the first 15 minute overtime period. With 21 seconds remaining in the second 15 minute overtime period, Georgetown forward Eric Kvello redirected a cross from the left side past PC goalkeeper Dan Pires at 119:39 to give the Hoyas the win. The Friars' nine victories marked the first time PC won nine games in a season since 1987. Also, the squad's 9-9-1 record marked the first time the Friars finished .500 since 1990.