BY CHARLIE ADAMS, TSM VP/LEAD WRITER
(Cranston, RI) - Cranston East boys’ soccer got the ball rolling (literally and figuratively) this Tuesday as they faced off in a non-league match against the D-3 Toll Gate Titans in their season opener at Cranston Stadium. The ‘Bolts return following a season that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs by one game. They look to make it over the hump this season despite losing many key players from last year’s starting 11. East got off on the right foot as they won their first match of the season with a dominating score of 5-2.
David White’s graduation left a void in the net for the ‘Bolts. This season it will be filled by his backup as Christian Gomez steps into the starting keeper role. Head Coach Richard Grenier will be looking towards his new captains: Braiden Shaw, Curtis Horace, and Darius Vongnikone, to lead this team towards success.
Fabricio Mariscal was the first scorer of the new season. The junior rocketed a goal from about 10 yards out early in the opening half, putting the ‘Bolts in the lead 1-0.
Gabriell Leon’s shot was blocked by a sprawling save by the Titan’s keeper, but Curtis Horace was there to touch it into the net off of the rebound. The Thunderbolts led 2-0 with less than 15 minutes elapsed in the contest.
Less than 10 minutes later, the speedy Horace struck for his second goal of the half as the ‘Bolts led 3-0.
Sothea Vibol joined the fun, scoring a 25-yard ball that was just barely out of the reach of Toll Gate’s keeper.
A penalty kick by Aiden Preuit put the Titans on the board at the end of the half. The ‘Bolts led 4-1 heading into the break.
Horace returned the favor as he crossed a pass for Leon to put in the back of the net immediately after the second half kicked off. Cranston East led 5-1 with over 35 minutes in the half.
Ryan Enos worked on clawing Toll Gate back into the contest as he answered the Thunderbolts’ goal to make it 5-2. That score remained the same for the rest of the contest as East pulled out the win.
There can’t be many complaints in a strong 5-2 victory. The offense looked remarkable and the team played cohesively for their opening game. It seems like they could be the most promising group Cranston East has this season. The team will be tested when they open up Division II league action on Friday when they travel to Smithfield for a 4:30 PM start.
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