Knights’ Strong Second Half Sinks SeaWolves 5-4!

09.07.21

Warwick, R.I. – September 13, 2021: The CCRI men' s soccer team traveled to Southern Maine Community College in Portland, ME to play the SeaWolves in their second game of the season.  The Knights defeated the Seawolves 5-4. With the victory CCRI improves to 2-0 on the season.  

The Knights returned to Maine for the second consecutive weekend to play the SeaWolves on their home turf in South Portland, ME.  The Knights were excited to keep the ball rolling after a great season opener last week. This excitement bled onto the field as CCRI started the game with positive possession and multiple offensive opportunities.  Daniel Tinoco (Providence, RI), who had scored the final goal last week versus Central Maine, was hungry for more. In the first 10 minutes Tinoco hit the post and created a dangerous chance that led the Southern Maine defense to take him down, which resulted in a penalty kick.  Unfortunately, he missed the penalty kick as the goalkeeper guessed correctly and was able to push the ball off the frame.  However, Tinoco would make-up for this miss later in the match. Despite being in attack mode, the Knights were not able to capitalize early. The SeaWolves took advantage of a bad bounce in the Knights’ defensive third, and at 11 minutes 30 seconds, Keto Tchiputo was able to run on into the box and pass one past Knights’ Keeper Ednilson Tavares (Pawtucket, RI) making the score 1-0 SMCC.  However, just two minutes later Daniel Tinoco would assist Aaron Ramos (Warwick, RI) to bring the match level 1-1. At the 20-minute mark the SeaWolves would strike again going up 2-1.  Once again, the Knights answered back, in the 23rd minute Pablo Puac (Pawtucket, RI) made an amazing run down the flank and put in a perfect curving pass to Wilson Penafiel (Providence, RI) who slid into the 6-yard box to tie the game up again.  Southern Maine would go up again in the 26th minute, when David Wilson hit a cracker from about 35 yards out. Ednilson Tavares, the Knights goalkeeper was unable to get his hand on this great shot. Knights Head Coach Gabe Toro even commented on the effort “It was the nicest goal for the SeaWolves.”  Both teams were battling all day and went into the half with Southern Maine holding a narrow 3-2 lead.  

In the second half The SeaWolves came out firing and increased their lead 4-2, just five minutes into the second half at the 50-minute mark. The fourth goal came with a bit controversy as the assist referee claimed the ball crossed the line as it was crossed in by Dylan Weyeneth of Southern Maine.  “In this instance, having video review would be amazing said.” commented Coach Toro. Knights’ Keeper Ednilson Tavares and other Knights in the defensive zone did not see it go in and the coaching staff was too far away to see the line.  Despite this adversity the Knights kept fighting.  The Knights’ back line was not as consistent as they were last game but they were able to fight back and made some adjustments. Matt Gibeau (Warwick, RI), Adnel Lopez (Cranston, RI), Nick Guertin (Cranston, RI) and Cristian Justiniano (Providence, RI) did well to adjust in the back line after making some small errors in the first half.  However, Guertinhad to come out after suffering a knock.  Fabian Mueller (North Kingstown, RI) was able to fill in for him and he did a great job, he brought composure coming off the bench and was able to finish the game in a positive manner.  

The Knight’s offense kept pressing led by Pablo Puac who had another very solid game. Puac’s pressure opened an opportunity for Wilson Penafiel who dribbled into the penalty box as a defender came into him with a careless slide tackle. Instead of getting the ball, he took out Penafiel in the box which led to the second penalty kick for the Knights on the day.  In the 53rd minute, Aaron Ramos stepped up to the penalty spot and was able to blast the ball past the Southern Maine goaltender narrowing he SMCC lead to 4-3. The Knights did not let being down affect their play.  In the 73rd minute Aaron Ramos curled a beautiful ball into the Southern Maine box to Ethan McDermott (Cumberland, RI) who was able to get to the end of it and slot it past the keeper which leveled the match for the second time with the score 4-4 with less than 20 minutes left in the match.  Wilson Penafiel, had another top-notch game on Saturday, he did not stop and was relentless on the attack.  Two minutes after tying the game again Penafiel placed a nice through ball to find Daniel Tinoco in the channel, Tinoco who missed the penalty kick early in the game, more than made up for it as he cut the ball back patiently to put the goalkeeper on skates and then hesitated to shoot as defenders came flying in his direction.  This patience paid off big time as he picked the perfect time to shoot and give the Knights what would eventually become the game-winner, which put them up 5-4 with 15 minutes left in the match.  

Coach Toro was very proud of his players, he commented “Being down two goals and still being able to keep their composure is something I admire about this team.  They remained under control and focused on doing their job and as they gained more possession, they gained more confidence.”  Toro added “The Knights were able to show amazing character in their comeback today.  They all brought each other up today and fought through adversity to come out on top.”

The Knights will travel to Rhode Island College in Providence on Monday the 13th a 4:00pm scrimmage.  

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The Community College of Rhode Island, New England’s largest comprehensive community college, enrolls nearly 10,000 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.