Anchormen left adrift by Coast Guard

Rhode Island College senior captain Corey Carvalho ripped a goal past U.S. Coast Guard goalkeeper Chris Tarbell in the 22nd minute, but the Anchormen couldn't overcome a two-goal deficit and fell to the Bears, 2-1, at home in the season opener for both clubs.

Coast Guard junior forward Anthony Walker netted two goals, six minutes apart in the opening minutes of the first half, to propel the Bears to their first victory of the season in as many contests. The pace of the game quickened and the Anchormen couldn't match the Coast Guard's efforts down the stretch.

After the game, RIC head coach John Mello was critical of his team's performance in the loss. "Our problem is we aren't a 90-minute team. We have little experience, no depth, low stamina and played this game with little heart," he said.

Walker, who netted the game-winning goal in the team's only meeting last season, a 1-0 defeat for the Anchormen, brought the fast and physical action to a halt when he collided with RIC junior goaltender Andrew Hogan. The two players collided as Hogan left the net to grab a long ball that was attempting to be played on by Walker. The starting keeper caught the ball but in the process caught a shoulder from Walker and fell awkwardly, hitting his head on the unforgiving turf. Hogan had to be transported off the field in an ambulance. After a 25-minute delay, the two clubs finished off the half with RIC junior Nic Clark in goal.

Hogan was treated for concussion like symptoms and was released from the hospital. His injury was the first in a series of minor injuries for RIC in the contest. With injuries taking over the game, their replacements stepped onto the field, but the most prominent among them was Nic Clark.

Mello praised his backup goalie for his strong performance in a tough spot after the game, "Nic stepped up in a near-impossible spot and salvaged what he could from that game."

Hogan held down the fort admirably, not allowing any shots past him for the remainder of the game, but the Coast Guard Academy never relinquished the lead.

"There is still hope for this team; a few key players are still waiting to come back. Injuries will give others opportunities to step up and Nick displayed that well tonight," said Mello after the defeat.

The Anchormen got back on the winning path over the weekend reaching the title game of the Rowan Invitational before falling to the host Profs.