PROVIDENCE, R.I.  – Freshman Marcos Ugarte (Providence, R.I.) scored two second half goals to lead the Providence College men’s soccer team past Cincinnati, 2-0, in the BIG EAST Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Glay Field.  With the win, the Friars improved to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in the BIG EAST.  The Bearcats are now 3-5 overall and 0-1 in league action.   It also marked the first BIG EAST season-opening win for the Friars since 2008.

After a scoreless first half, Cincinnati’s Shamar Shelton weaved past two Friar defenders before ripping a left-footed shot from 22 yards out, but senior goalkeeper Jhojan Obando (Kissimmee, Fla.) made a diving save to his left in the 47th minute.  Ugarte struck in the 62nd minute to give the Friars the lead  for good.  Classmate Jimmy Petruccelli (Brentwood, N.H.) raced down the left side and played a left-footed cross just before the ball went out on the end line.  Ugarte, who made a run to the near post, headed the ball from five yards out into the left corner marking his first collegiate goal.  

Just 2:55 later in the 65th minute, Ugarte struck again as the Friars gained a two-goal edge.  Senior David Datilus (Linden, N.J.) played a cross from the right flank to Ugarte, who slid and tapped the ball with his right foot into the near post corner from five yards out.

Obando totaled two saves to earn his fifth shutout this season.  Cincinnati’s Joey Barnard had three stops.  

The Friars are back in action on Saturday, October 1 when they face USF in Tampa, Fla.