Knights Hold Off Holyoke for First Win of the Season!

09.20.18

Warwick, R.I. – September 20, 2018: The CCRI Knights men's soccer team took to the road, traveling to the Cougars Holyoke Community College for their first Region XXI game of the season. A scoreless first half was followed by two CCRI goals in the span of six minutes. Holyoke would claw one goal back before the end of relegation but it was too little too late. The victory improves CCRI's season record to 1-1 whilst having a 1-0 record in Region XXI play.

The first half both teams were feeling each other out, figuring out when and how to defend and attack. The backline of the Knights was pretty solid, with Datyn Deasley (Warwick, RI) between the post and in front of him, Co-Captain Dante Turano (Westerly, RI), Jacob Leander (West Warwick, RI), Elton Soares Sequiera (Central Falls, RI) and Anthony Serluca (Westerly, RI). During the match, the defensive duo of Soares Sequiera and Leander were able to push up the field, creating chances starting from the deep position. Both defenders were able to put quality shots on target, challenging both the opposition defense and goalkeeper.

For all their chances, the Knights came up empty handed after the first half. At half time Head Coach Gabe Toro urged the Knights to press the ball further forward, keeping Holyoke on their heels. Winning the ball high up the pitch and counter attacking from those high positions would offer a higher number of quality chances. He wanted the Knights to release the offensive and stop being cautious.

At the start of the half Prince Sawyer (Pawtucket, RI) took the advice and after a minute he unleashed a shot from the left side of the box that curled into the far post and nestling in the side netting. A mere six minutes later, Delpio Alves (East Providence, RI) made a great cross into the path of Kevin Alves (Pawtucket, RI) for the second goal. Alves was able to touch it past the Holyoke net minder. The Knights pushed up offensively and had several good looks at goal but were not able to capitalize. This left the door open for Holyoke to find a way to score on a free kick before the end of the game. The game would end shortly after, with the Knights on top of the Cougars 2-1.

Adding to the offense for the Knights was Austin Degiacomo (Westerly, RI) and Mouhamadou Diouf (Dakar, Senegal). Degiacomo assisted the first goal, added some shots on net and created space for the wide players, cutting across the opponent center backs. Diouf was able to take advantage of playing higher up the pitch than in the first game. Starting higher and able to press the ball and win it more often, Diouf was able to start many of the counter attacks. The solid performance and earned result will provide the team with some momentum as they face their next test.

The Knights' next game will be at home when they face off with the Tribunes of Monroe Community College at 1 pm on Saturday, September 22nd.

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The Community College of Rhode Island, New England's largest comprehensive community college, enrolls nearly 15,000 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.