Hawks Fall to Rebels, Despite Early Lead

by Conner Saulnier

This past Monday night, the Hawks’ soccer team looked to carry into their game against the South Kingstown Rebels the momentum they seemed to have created for themselves by playing to a draw with both Central Falls and Central, two of the top-ranked teams in the state. Despite taking an early lead, the Hawks were unable to capitalize.

The game was scoreless for much of the first half, as multiple shots on goal by both teams missed by mere inches. The scoring broke open, however, with about 12 minutes left in the first half. The Hawks’ intensity on defense finally seemed to pay off, as freshman Chukwuma Onyejose broke free and scored on an open net after drawing the goalie out, giving our guys the lead.

Coming into the second half with the same 1-0 lead, the Hawks quickly allowed two goals to South Kingstown forward Mike Gross at 33:29 and 30:05. The Rebels never looked back after this, but the Hawks kept fighting. At 20:38, the Hawks allowed the fatal blow, another goal off a rebound to South Kingstown’s Owen Tally. During the final fifteen minutes, the Hawks put more shots on goal than they probably could count but were unable to finish. The Rebels made crucial saves on a penalty kick and the ensuing rebound, and with five minutes remaining a Hawks’ goal was nullified due to a controversial offsides call on a throw-in play. The Rebels’ defense secured the victory by stepping up their game, as one defender stopped a Hawks’ shot with three minutes left, before the South Kingstown goalie tipped away an extremely well-placed kick in the final minute.

Reactions to the South Kingstown game can be heard below in “What They’re Saying”.

The Hawks look to get back into the win column against Barrington Wednesday night, a game that will be broadcast LIVE, right here on The Network.