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Knights lose home opener to Bulldogs

09.08.17

Warwick, R.I. – September 8, 2017: The CCRI Knights soccer team played in their home opener on Thursday afternoon, welcoming the Bulldogs of Bunker Hill Community College to the Flanagan campus in Lincoln, RI. The Knights lost the game 9-0, dropping their record to 0-2-0 overall and 0-1-0 in Region XXI play.

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead on the Knights. After quick pressure up the sideline, the Bulldogs earned a corner which was headed in on the back post. The Knights were on the back foot from the start. Bunker Hill continued to put pressure on the Knights, dictating the pace of the game and not giving CCRI any time on the ball. The Knights looked to score on the counter attack and were able to create some chances. Late in the first half, Mouhamadou Diouf (Dakar, Senegal) pressured the Bunker Hill back line, forcing them into an error. Doiuf took control of the ball, cut towards the goal, and fired a shot that sailed just over the crossbar. Diouf gave the Knights their best chance of the first half. Bunker Hill was able to convert after a tough bounce led to a breakaway for the Bulldogs, giving them a 2-0 going into halftime.

The second half was much of the same for the Knights, as the Bulldogs put the pressure on. After a penalty was awarded and converted by Bunker Hill, the Knights were unable to mount a comeback. A few mistakes by the Knights’ backline led to the Bulldogs having clear shots at goal, which they were able to convert. The Knights did not give up, and continued to pressure going forward. Their pressure resulted in two free kicks in dangerous positions and multiple corner kicks. Mouhamadou Diouf attempted to chip the goalkeeper while he was off his line, but the goalkeeper just recovered just in time. Co-Captain Ivandro Pedrosa (Central Falls, RI) was looking to find Jasson Johnson-Morias (Cranston, RI) on another free kick, but was unsuccessful in making the connection. After sending players forward the Knights were caught out on breakaways, which gave the Bulldogs more opportunities to score.

Head Coach Gabe Toro told his players they needed to be ready from the start, as Bunker Hill is a team that will capitalize on any mistakes made, and they were able to. Coach Toro noted the mental mistakes made by the team caused the loss. He knows it is something the Knights will be able to clean up and fix during the season. The Knights have a quick turnaround and look to take on the Yellow Jackets of American International College Junior Varsity on Sunday. The game is at 1:30 at the Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, RI. Come out and support your Knights!

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The Community College of Rhode Island, New England’s largest comprehensive community college, enrolls nearly 16,000 students in credit courses and thousands more in non-credit and job training classes. Its athletic program boasts 12 varsity programs and an academic support program for all student-athletes.