Decelles nets hat trick

LINCOLN — For the second time in the first four games of the Division II campaign, North Smithfield forward Justin Decelles scored a hat trick.

Decelles scored twice in the first half and finished off his hat trick in the 50th minute to lead the undefeated Northmen to a 3-0 victory over Lincoln Monday night at Ferguson Field.

“This win tells us we’re going to fight in every game,” North Smithfield coach Korytkowski said. “We usually struggle against the physical teams, but today showed that if we pass the ball around and play nice soccer, you can tire them out. I give Lincoln a lot of credit, I wish we played with the physicality and aggression they play with.”

North Smithfield (4-0 Division II) grabbed the lead in the 17th minute on an odd goal. Riley Crozier’s free kick was headed on goal, but Lincoln goalie Tim Cullen saved the ball and it went on top of the crossbar. The ball rolled back to the ground and Decelles put it into the net.

With just two minutes left in the first half, Decelles raced on to a loose ball off the foot of Jared Dube and rolled a shot past Cullen. Decelles finished his hat trick when he took a pass from Michael Fernandes and ripped a shot past David Leonardi.

“The guys getting him the ball and the passes being made are fantastic,” Korytokowski said. “Justin used to rely heavily on his speed, but he’s put the work in to improve his touch. He’s really worked on his shot and made it more accurate. He’s taken advantage of the passes being made.”

Lincoln (3-1 Division II) travels to West Warwick tomorrow night, while North Smithfield hosts Hope Thursday night.

North Smithfield 2 1 – 3

Lincoln 00 –0

First half – NS, Justin Decelles (unassisted); 17:00. NS, Decelles (Jared Dube), 38:00

Second half – NS, Decelles (Michael Fernandes) 50:00

Saves – NS, Aidan Richer (7 saves); L, Tim Cohen (4 saves); David Leonardi (3 saves).