PROVIDENCE, RI – Taking the road for the second time in its first three matches to open the season, Siena Men's Soccer (2-1) suffered its first defeat of the year at the hands of a squad the was nationally ranked to begin 2022. The Saints dropped a 4-0 decision in their first-ever meeting with Big EAST foe Providence College (1-1-1) at Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium in Providence, Rhode Island Friday evening.
In the start to a rigorous two-match stretch which features back-to-back Power 5 opponents, the Saints let up a goal in the 24th minute of play, but were still within reach at intermission. Coming off an appearance in the 2021 Big EAST Championship Match and the third round of the NCAA College Cup, the Friars tacked on three more scores in the second half, including a penalty kick conversion in the 60th minute.
The home team held a 14-7 shots advantage and drew seven of eight corner kick opportunities, with seven different Saints registering shots and sophomores Jacob Sandun Arachchige-Jensen and Erik Reis each putting attempts on-goal. Graduate student goalkeeper Greg Monroe tied a season-high with five saves in-goal.
Following its first Big EAST meeting since 2015, Siena will once again head east to begin next week, facing ACC foe Boston College in road action on Tuesday, September 6 at 5:30 PM. The match will serve as the Saints' first ACC test since 2011, and will precede the team's return home against Hartford on September 11.
