Nov. 2, 2005

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Providence College men's soccer team defeated the University of Cincinnati, 2-1, in the first round of the BIG EAST Tournament on Wednesday, November 2 at Cincinnati, Ohio. The Friars, playing in their third BIG EAST Tournament in the last four years, improved to 2-6-1 all-time in BIG EAST Tourney action. It marked the Friars' first win in the BIG EAST Tournament since 1984.

The Friars took the first lead in the game when junior Joe Weill (Merrick, N.Y.) scored his first career goal at 29:55. Weill took a pass from freshman Tim Ritter (Weston, Mass.) after a failed clear and Weill kicked in a shot through a scrum in front of the net. Less than two minutes later, senior Eoin Lynch (Yarmouth, Maine) converted on a penalty kick for his eighth goal of the season and what would prove to be the game winner. Lynch's goal was the 26th tally of his career which moves him into the second spot on the Friar all-time goal list.

In the second half, Cincinnati pressured the Friars, registering 11 shots over the final 45 minutes. The Bearcats recorded their only goal of the game 3:46 into the second half when Sam Miller scored on a penalty kick.

Friar goalkeeper Chris Konopka (Toms River, N.J.) registered two saves in the win.

With the win, the Friars advance to the BIG EAST Quarterfinals on Saturday, November 5 versus Seton Hall in South Orange, N.J. at 1:00 p.m. Seton Hall, which finished in second place in the BIG EAST Blue Division, earned a bye in the First Round of the Tournament. Saturday's game will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams. The Friars and the Pirates played to a 1-1 tie on October 8 at Providence.

at Cincinnati, Ohio

Providence (6-3-7)	2	0	--	2
Cincinnati (10-7-2)	0	1	--	1

SCORING: PC, Joe Weill (Tim Ritter) 29:55; PC, Eoin Lynch (penalty kick) 31:58; C, Sam Miller (penalty kick) 48:46.

SAVES: PC, Chris Konopka 2 (90:00); C, Mike Vessells 1 (90:00).