News Summary
The Providence College women’s soccer team is set to face the University of Rhode Island in an important in-state rivalry match. With a current record of 2-1-0, the Friars are looking to extend their early-season success. Notable players include senior Ella McBride and goalie Ellie Thallman. The match, scheduled for August 30, promises to be a competitive clash as both teams vie for supremacy in Rhode Island soccer.
Providence, R.I. — The Providence College women’s soccer team has kicked off the 2025 season with a promising record of 2-1-0, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated match against their in-state rival, the University of Rhode Island (URI), on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The match will be held at the URI Soccer Complex in Kingston and will be streamed on ESPN+.
The Friars began their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Army on August 14, where Lily Gibbs scored the decisive goal and goalie Ellie Thallman recorded a clean sheet. Following that, they defeated Northeastern with a scoreline of 2-1 on August 24, featuring a game-winning goal from Courtnee Pickles in the 67th minute. As they prepare to face URI, the Friars have an opportunity to improve their record, as they currently hold a 0-0-0 mark in conference play.
Providence’s upcoming match against URI is particularly significant as the Friars aim to continue their early-season momentum against a strong opponent. In their historical encounters, Providence holds a 20-8-4 advantage over URI, having won their last matchup 1-0 on August 15 of the previous year. The rivalry is intense, and both teams are eager to secure bragging rights in the state.
This season, the Friars have shown great potential with key players returning, including senior defender/midfielder Ella McBride, who was named to the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team. McBride’s standout performance, along with Thallman’s in the season opener, earned them both BIG EAST Weekly honors. Providence was picked to finish sixth in the 2025 BIG EAST Preseason Coaches’ Poll, gathering 53 points overall. Last season, the team concluded with a 3-5-2 record in conference play, which underscores the importance of their current performance.
The Friars return a robust roster, featuring 18 players from last year’s team, including three multi-goal scorers. They have also welcomed several talented transfers, such as Meg Roden from High Point and redshirt freshman Caitlin Driscoll from Syracuse. Additionally, a fresh group of incoming freshmen adds depth to the squad, highlighted by players like Leila Anazagasty-Pursoo and Courtnee Pickles.
URI heads into the match with a record of 4-1-0, having recently suffered a loss to Brown, who narrowly defeated them 3-2. Senior forward McKenna Sylvester has been a standout for URI, leading the team with three goals, while teammate Jill Rosenfield tops the assist chart with three. This matchup is expected to be a closely contested battle as two teams with different records and aspirations come together.
As the Providence College women’s soccer team looks ahead, the stakes are high. Continuing their winning streak and making a strong statement against URI will be pivotal as they aim to find success in their conference games and improve upon last season’s performance. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting event for players and fans alike.
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Additional Resources
- Providence College Women’s Soccer Defeated on the Road Against Rhode Island
- Wikipedia: Providence College
- Women’s Soccer Prepares to Visit the University of Rhode Island
- Google Search: Providence College Women’s Soccer
- Women’s Soccer Shuts Out Army 1-0
- Google Scholar: Providence College Women’s Soccer
- Ahnna Faust Named to the Fall 2025-26 Allstate NACDA Good Works Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Providence College
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
