The Cranston West boys soccer team entered the week with a 2-4-4 record, but has been playing some of the best soccer the state has seen this season.
Despite a modest record, the Falcons have been in every game they’ve played and have only had one be decided by more than one goal – a 2-0 victory over Classical.
All of the team’s losses have been decided by one goal, including a narrow defeat to first-place Bishop Hendricken last week. The Hawks won 2-1 but were pushed as hard as they have been this season. Chris Melise leads the Falcons in scoring and notched the team’s lone goal against Hendricken while breakout goalie Jack Payne racked up 11 saves. Marcello Parretta recorded an assist.
“(All of our games) have been down to the wire, they’ve been intense battles, absolute dogfights. You’ve been seeing gifted athletes on all these Division I teams and that’s why they’ve been going down to the wire. It’s the top of the top,” said West coach Yair Correa, whose roster boasts some of the best numbers in the state ranging from seniors to freshmen. “It’s been a testament to the kids and their consistency. We’re fortunate to have a deep roster that’s quality from top to bottom. They keep fighting every single day and they understand that they shouldn’t be here, but they’re proving that they should. It’s special to see them hang with these teams, and not only that, but they have shown some superior moments.”
Correa has been pleased with Melise’s leadership as one of the key seniors in the lineup.
“He’s been lights out, he’s one of those physically gifted kids. He’s vicious and his physical work rate is at the top of Rhode Island. He’s one of the best and it’s because he’s locked in. He’s very special and without him we wouldn’t be where we are offensively and defensively,” said Correa.
Correa also tipped his cap to Payne, who has emerged as one of the state’s elite goalies as a sophomore.
“He’s a very good player that has a long way to go. He’s been on the radar for quite some time, he’s very good at what he does. The state of Rhode Island is noticing because of the exposure he’s been getting in Division I. He’s been fitting right into his body, too. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in Rhode Island in terms of footwork and ability. It starts with him. He’s the quarterback,” said Correa.
Although West has proven to be one of the most competitive teams in the state, it will have to now show that it can win these close games on a nightly basis. The team sat in 11th palace and will need to rattle off a few W’s down the stretch to capture a playoff berth. The team took on Tolman on Tuesday night, but the results were not available at press time.
Playing clean soccer and maintaining that competitive edge will lead to more wins, according to Correa.
“We’re now understanding that margin of error is very slim in DI. The less mistakes we can make, the consistency, that will be important for us,” Correa said.