Boys Soccer: Falcons Upended by Villa Novans in Second Half

Cranston West traveled to Woonsocket on Thursday riding a two-game winning streak, but the Falcons were unable to match the speed and intensity of the Villa Novans after intermission.

Woonsocket receved some good fortune in the 2nd minute, as defender Stephen Albro misplayed a ball in his territory, popping it high into the air. West Goalie Jonas Sullivan came out to make the save, but Villa Novans' Forward Matthew Menorath beat him to the ball, heading it over the top of Sullivan and finding the net. The flukey goal gave Woonsocket an early 1-0 lead while playing into strong afternoon winds. 

The entire field was utilized in the first half, as the teams were trading possession and scoring chances. Woonsocket had a golden opportunity in the 10th minute thanks to a phenomenal lead pass from Michael Moynihan. But Moynihan's pass could not be finished by the two Villa Novans in the vicinity, as there was a communication error between Newton Kittavong and Alexis DeCastro. Austin Raposa came close to tying the score for the Falcons on a corner kick in the 20th minute, but Kory Larence was able to make a sprawling save to preserve the lead.

But the lead was lost moments later, in the 22nd minute, when Chris Burrows found the right corner through a crowd in the middle of the box, knotting the score at one.

And that score would stand until halftime with the Falcons slightly outplaying the Villa Novans in the first half.

The Villa Novans, playing with the wind at their backs in the second half, changed the entire complexion of the game, demonstrating their superior speed and ball control, not wasting any time regaining the lead. Destri Desilets found Newton Kittavong on a corner kick in the 45th minute, which he promptly headed into the right corner, making it 2-1 Woonsocket.

The Villa Novans would extend their lead soon thereafter on another set play, in the 50th minute, when Cody L'Heureux scored on a beautiful feed from Sebastian Mercado, giving Woonsocket a commanding 3-1 lead. 

The Falcons struggled with ball control, poor positioning, and indecisiveness throughout the second half, leading to many of the scoring chances that were capitalized on by the Villa Novans. 

"The second half was just focus and intensity. We made a lot of small mistakes. We were sloppy with our decisions and lazy moving off the ball. And they were able to capitalize on that," Cranston West Coach James Williamson said.

As evident from the fourth goal by Woonsocket, which was a microcosm of the entire half. The Falcons made a sloppy pass in the offensive zone, it was cut off by Woonsocket Sweeper Destri Desilets who dribbled the length of the field and found Newton Kittavong for the header, the second time the duo connected in the contest.

The Villa Novans added another goal late and came away with a 5-1 victory, pushing them into fourth in the division and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

The play of Sweeper Destri Desilets and Forward Newton Kittavong were key in Thursday's victory over Cranston West. The Villa Novans did a terrific job turning defense into offense in the second half, which was highlighted by Desilets and Kittavong.

"He's solidified the position for us. He played really well today and he helped out on the offense today," Woonsocket Head Coach Andrew Rao said, commenting on the play of Desilets.

"He's a good forward. The ball he headed in on the cross really opened the game up for us," Rao said, commenting on the fourth goal and play Kittavong.

Woonsocket is now 6-7-2 on the season, tied with Mount St. Charles in the win column and trailing in the loss column, but holding the head to head lead, as they defeated the Mounties earlier in the season and tied them more recently. The Villa Novans will face off against a winless Cranston East squad on Tuesday to round out their regular season.

Cranston West is now 3-10-2 on the season and will face Moses Brown on Saturday and intercity rival Cranston East on Sunday night to end their season.