Men’s Soccer Clips Cardinals in Season Opener 1-0!
08.26.19
Juan Garcia
Warwick, R.I. – August 26, 2019: The CCRI Knights men’s soccer team opened their 2019 campaign at home against the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Catonsville Cardinals on Saturday afternoon. CCRI scored in the 19thminute and their defense held strong, earning the 1-0 victory. The win starts CCRI’s season record at 1-0 overall.
A beautiful day in Lincoln, RI with temperatures in the high 70’s set the stage for a perfect home opener. The visiting Catonsville Cardinals came all the way from Baltimore, Maryland for a New England weekend, having played against Massasoit the day before.
Head Coach Gabe Toro's team came out ready to play with a good balance of new players and some returning players and today was perfect time to test the team’s abilities. The Knights came out a little anxious which is the norm for the first game of the season but they were able to hold steady on the defensive side of the ball. Returning player, sophomore co-captain Juan Gonzalez (Providence, RI) was in the net for the Knights and center back sophomore co-captain Jacob Leander (West Warwick, RI) also came back for their second year at CCRI. New faces in the form of freshmen, Isnaba Namusse (Pawtucket, RI) and Buba Joof (Woonsocket, RI) brought speed and some more re-enforcement to the back line, which showed strength after being repeatedly tested during this game, especially in the second half.
In the 19th minute of the first half, the Knights offense also showed up to play with a deep pass into the offensive third where freshman Cornelius Tay (Monrovia, Liberia) was able to collect the ball and dribble by one defender before looking up and finding freshman Juan Garcia (Guatemala City, Guatemala) coming across the box to tap in the ball into the net. “Garcia was on the practice squad last year so it was great to see him come back, stronger, faster and wiser. It was awesome that he opened up this season with a goal” said Coach Toro.
In the second half the Knights defense was tested but did not let up. Goalkeeper Juan Gonzalez came up with some big saves and the defense played well. “The team played well defensively as a unit. We still have to work on our offense but that will come with time. This team has the right attitude and is willing to work together as a team.” said Coach Toro.
The CCRI Knights men’s soccer team will next be in action on Saturday, August 31 in a scrimmage against UMass-Dartmouth.
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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.