Oct. 9, 2010
Box Score
WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University men's soccer squad (6-4-1, 2-1 BIG EAST) posted its fourth shutout of the season on Saturday as the Hoyas downed the Providence College Friars (5-4-1, 0-3 BIG EAST), 1-0, at Glay Field in a BIG EAST Conference matchup. Freshman Steve Neumann (New Hope, Pa./Council Rock North) continued his impressive rookie campaign scoring the game winner in the 43rd minute. The Blue & Gray has now won its last four games and posted shutouts in three of those victories.
"This result is huge on the road in the BIG EAST," said Georgetown Head Coach Brian Wiese. "We're lucky to get three points and get out. I give a lot of credit to Providence, they put a lot of pressure on us and we didn't break in the back."
The teams were scoreless for much of the first half as both had opportunities but neither could get on the board.
With the half just minutes away, sophomore defender Jimmy Nealis (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) looked into the box for senior Henry Tembon (London, England/The School at Church Farm). The midfielder tapped it over to Neumann who shot it into the left side of the net to break the stalemate and give the Hoyas the 1-0 lead. It was Neumann's fourth goal of the season to lead the squad in scoring.
"Henry made a great play on the goal to Stevie," said Wiese. "He had a nice flick which was the difference in the game and that's what you ask of your reserves. He came on and his first touch was an assist on the game winner."
Providence came out firing in the second half forcing Georgetown goalkeeper Matthew Brutto (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) to come up with some big saves. The defense managed to stay strong as the Friar offense looked for the equalizer. Brutto and Co. managed to stop a number of solid looks as the Hoyas held on for the 1-0 victory.
"Brutto made a big save in the second half looking into a hard sun," said Wiese. "He managed to push it wide which is what we needed to get the win."
The Blue & Gray was outshot, 12-9, while Brutto had four saves in the net and Providence keeper Jhojan Obando posted three. The Friars had multiple opportunities off of set pieces taking 10 corners to GU's two. Neumann now has three goals on the week after scoring two against American.
"We've had a lot of people start to get into a groove," said Wiese. "Stevie (Neumann) has three goals for the week and is looking comfortable. Jimmy Nealis is probably one of the most undervalued contributors on the field. He doesn't show up in the stat sheet but he is playing very, very well."
Georgetown enters a brutal stretch of its season with two conference games each week for the remainder of the regular season. The Blue & Gray will host Seton Hall on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at North Kehoe Field. Live stats and a webcast will be available at www.GUHoyas.com.
