Soccer Gets a Little Help from Cumberland in 4-1 Win

By Cam Brennan

Coming off a tough game against the East Greenwich Avengers (one that the Hawks let slip from their grasp before settling for a 2-2 tie), the Hawks were back in action this past Saturday for a game against the Cumberland Clippers. The last time these two teams met was in the preliminary round of the RIIL Division I playoffs at Dennis Hayden Stadium. Current players Brennan Martin and Lucas Gesmundo both scored in that 3-1 Hawk victory. Fast forward one year and the 4-2-3, (15 points) Hawks were set to play the 4-5-0 (12 points) Clippers in a game with a lot less on the line, as this was only a regular season matchup. One point of note was that in net for the Hawks was junior Tom Faltus, instead of the usual senior, Alex Amado.

For all intents and purposes. the game was all Hawks. Throughout most part of the game the Hawks were dominant in creating offensive chances, as they got ten shots off on the Clippers keeper, Michael DeCastro.The only Hawks' hiccup was their allowing a Cole Simmions goal part way through the first half. Other than that, the Hawks were dominant on the defensive side of the ball as well, allowing only five other shots on net.

Just like a year ago, Brennan Martin found the back of the net. Other streaks also continued for the Hawks, as freshman Chukwudi Onyejose scored for the second straight game, and junior Craig Conway was credited with an assist for the second straight game. The Hawks got some help from the Clippers, as they managed to contribute to two goals being scored against them. When the dust settled, the Hawks walked out of Cumberland with a 4-1 win.

With the win the Hawks move to 5-2-3 (18 points) and a three way tie for fifth place in Division I. The Hawks have just four games remaining on the season and look to make a push for the top four before the playoffs start, as the top four teams receive a bye. Their next game will be against the Portsmouth Patriots, who sport a 1-6-2 record (5 points). That game is Wednesday, October 15th, at Portsmouth. The game will kick off at 7:00 pm.