Providence Rallies Past Rhode Island 3-1 Behind Ventrella Equalizer and Late Surge
Friars Overcome Early Deficit with Three Unanswered Goals in Convincing Road Victory
KINGSTON, RI – Providence College mounted an impressive comeback to defeat Rhode Island 3-1 on Sunday, overturning an early deficit with a dominant display that saw the Friars strike three times in the final 53 minutes at Rhode Island's home venue.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Daniel Goba powered home a header from close range, capitalizing on Tiago Barriguinha's precise delivery from a free kick. The goal capped a period of sustained pressure from Rhode Island, who had been testing Providence goalkeeper Ryan Carney with a series of dangerous attacks.
However, Providence's response proved swift and decisive. Just eight minutes later, Angelo Ventrella rifled home the equalizer from inside the box, converting Sam Montalto's assist with a clinical right-footed finish that found the bottom left corner. The goal came at the culmination of a sustained attacking sequence that saw the Friars earn three consecutive corners in the buildup.
The momentum shift proved permanent as Providence seized control in the second half. Ian Abbey restored the visitors' advantage in the 75th minute, tucking away another Montalto assist with his left foot to cap off an impressive individual performance that included five shots and three on target.
Bruno Rosa added the decisive third goal just five minutes later, curling an unassisted effort into the bottom right corner to effectively seal the victory. The Brazilian forward's clinical finish demonstrated the composure that had been building throughout Providence's attacking play.
The statistical narrative told the story of two contrasting halves. While Rhode Island managed more shots overall (15 to Providence's 20), the Friars proved more clinical when it mattered, converting five of their nine shots on target compared to the hosts' solitary goal from seven efforts on frame.
Montalto emerged as the architect of Providence's comeback, providing two assists despite playing just 42 minutes as a substitute. His introduction in the 38th minute coincided with the Friars' tactical shift, as head coach Craig Stewart's personnel changes proved instrumental in turning the tide.
Rhode Island's discipline began to unravel as the match progressed, accumulating four yellow cards compared to Providence's single caution. Tiago Barriguinha, Sinan Bruning, Brett Schwab, and Everson Goglia all found their way into referee's book as frustration mounted for the hosts.
The Friars dominated the aerial battle and set-piece situations, earning eight corners to Rhode Island's five while maintaining superior possession in the final third. Ryan Carney preserved his clean sheet with several crucial interventions, particularly a vital stop in the 27th minute that kept the deficit at just one goal.
Rhode Island's tactical approach centered around quick transitions through the midfield trio of Barriguinha, Bruning, and Goglia, but their effectiveness diminished as Providence's defensive structure solidified after the halftime break. The hosts managed just four shots in the second half compared to eight in the opening period.
Abbey's work rate proved exceptional, as the forward pressed relentlessly while creating numerous chances beyond his goal. His five-shot tally led all players, demonstrating the kind of attacking intent that ultimately overwhelmed Rhode Island's defensive organization.
The victory showcased Providence's resilience and tactical flexibility, transforming what appeared to be a challenging road fixture into a comprehensive display of attacking football that should provide significant confidence moving forward.
Key Players
- Sam Montalto (Providence) - Provided two crucial assists in just 42 minutes, transforming the match after his 38th-minute introduction - Ian Abbey (Providence) - Led all players with five shots, converted the go-ahead goal, and pressed tirelessly throughout his 75 minutes - Daniel Goba (Rhode Island) - Struck the opening goal with a powerful header and remained dangerous with two shots despite the defeat