Knights Out-Muscled by No. 1 Monroe

09.09.19

Warwick, R.I. – September 9, 2019: The CCRI Knights men’s soccer team traveled to New Rochelle, NY to face the No. 1 Nationally ranked Monroe College Mustangs Saturday evening. The Mustangs lived up to their top ranking, handedly defeating the Knights 11-0. The loss drops CCRI’s season record to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Region XXI play.

The Knights took to the road, looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season against Roxbury Community College the previous week. However, the top team in the nation stood in the way of this goal in the form of the Monroe College Mustangs. The Mustangs wasted no time, scoring in the first minute of the game. They would score four more times before halftime, leading 5-0 over the Knights.

Monroe always boasts a diverse team, representing several nations. This year’s squad had players from the Netherlands, Germany, Brazil and Japan. A great experience for all the Knights, many from Pawtucket, Woonsocket and Westerly.

The Knights came out to play defense but the speed of play and the technical finishers was too much for the Knights to sustain in the third game of the season. An additional six goals were scored by the Mustangs and the final score read Monroe College 11, CCRI 0.

Sophomore Co-captain Jake Leander (West Warwick, RI) was faced with his toughest duty as captain to date. Not necessarily the speed and efficiency of Monroe, but rather to keep the Knights pushing and fighting in a game that was all but lost. Without quality leadership, a loss like this could end a season before it has barely started.

Head Coach Gabe Toro “We will use this game as a lesson for the players on formation, speed and the importance of confidence in playing together and making sure everyone stays disciplined and does their job.”

The CCRI Knights men’s soccer team will next be in action on Thursday, September 12th at 3:30 p.m. as they travel to Haverhill, Massachusetts to face off with Region XXI rivals Northern Essex Community College Knights.

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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.