Nov. 4, 2005

DAYTON - Behind two goals from Dora Larusdottir and a shutout from goalkeeper Kristin Marra, second-seeded Rhode Island defeated third-seeded Charlotte, 2-0, in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Championship Friday night at Baujan Field in Dayton, Ohio.

The Rams (11-5-2) advance to the A-10 championship game for the second consecutive year and will face the winner of the second semifinal match between Saint Louis and Dayton.

Rhode Island got on the board first in 20th minute with the sixth goal of the season from freshman Dora Larusdottir. After a shot by senior Megan Kasperek was blocked by the Charlotte defense, Larusdottir picked up the loose ball in the box and beat the 49ers' keeper Juli Black to the near corner from close range.

The Rams would take the 1-0 lead into the half after outshooting the 49ers 13-7.

Larusdottir scored her second of the night, extending the Rams lead to 2-0 in the 68th minute. The freshman picked up a deflected pass in the box from Thorunn Jonsdottir and beat Black with a shot from 12 yards out.

Just minutes later, the 49ers had a chance to cut the deficit in half, but URI goalkeeper Kristen Marra turned away a penalty kick from Lindsey Beam, Charlotte's leading scorer.

Marra made five saves in the winning effort for Rams. The senior was filling in for regular starter Ria Carroll, who was serving a one-game suspension for a red card. Black made three saves for Charlotte (11-9-0).