Clippers settle for scoreless draw vs. Falcons
Cumberland struggling to find scoring touch from September
CUMBERLAND — The Cumberland girls soccer team has the top two scorers in Division I in senior All-Staters Julianne Ross and Abby Drezek, but over the last four contests the Clippers have scored just six goals.
Thursday afternoon, visiting Cranston West frustrated the Clippers with a well organized defense and a no-nonsense approach to clearing the ball. Ross and Drezek each had chances to win the game in the final eight minutes, but the Falcons left Tucker Field with a 0-0 Division I draw.
“These last four games have not been ideal, especially when our goal is to be playing our best soccer at this time of year,” Cumberland coach Anthony Silva said. “Next week we have three games and we definitely have to get more positive results. Smithfield did a good job of packing it in, but today (Cranston West) was organized.
“We still had chances to score today, but not as many as we normally do. Give them credit where credit is due. Seriously, though, we need to finish the chances we get.”
Cumberland (8-1-2 Division I) won its first seven matches before losing to Smithfield 2-0 last week. That result was followed by a 2-2 tie against 2014 state champion Portsmouth. Tuesday, the Clippers trekked down to North Kingstown and used a hat trick from Ross to earn a back-and-forth 4-3 victory.
Despite the recent up-and-down run, Silva is still confident the Clippers can get back to the state final for the second straight campaign.
“We are always, always feeling like we’re a contender,” Silva said. “Like I said earlier in the season, there’s no point in not talking about winning a state championship. That’s why we come here every day and that’s why these girls have been playing soccer since they were little. We’re always ready for the challenge.”
Cranston West (3-8-2 Division I) will likely need a victory over Exeter-West Greenwich next week and some points against either Lincoln or Smithfield to reach the playoffs. The Falcons started a frantic final 11 minutes with a good scoring chance, but senior forward Melanie Dugas failed to test Sophia Goddard with a shot from the top of the box.
The Clippers’ All-Staters had chances to win the game in the final eight minutes. First, Ross took advantage of a defensive error and raced into the box, but her shot from left of the penalty spot was blocked away by goalie Olivia Idowu.
Cumberland’s best chance came with three minutes left, as Jaylynne Thomas cannoned a shot off the crossbar. The ball bounced to Drezek, but she smashed the half-volley over the net.
“Cranston West tied La Salle earlier and they tied us,” Silva said. ‘They did an excellent job.”
The Clippers begin a threegame week Monday against struggling East Greenwich.
Mounties beat Westerly
WOONSOCKET — The Mount St. Charles girls soccer team rebounded from Tuesday’s loss to undefeated Burrillville with a 4-2 Division II home win over Westerly Thursday afternoon.
Sophomore forward Katie Lynch and Hannah Trottier each had a goal and an assist, while Lucy Baxter and Caroline Adler added goals in the victory. Morgan Hancock made nine saves and Addey Dalpe had three in a combined effort.
Karissa Lappas and Delaney Green each registered assists in the win.
Mount St. Charles (9-2-1 Division II) visits Tiverton Monday night.