ASL: W. Mass Clinches 1st Win

Photo credit: Western Mass Pro Soccer Club

Will Daniels bagged a brace to lead Western Mass Pro Soccer (1-0-2, five points) to a 2-0 win over the Rhode Island Oceaneers (0-1-0, 0 points) on Saturday at Cranston Stadium.

Daniels scored in the seventh and 38th minutes, while Warren Gross picked up his second clean sheet of the season as the Lusitanos claimed their first victory of the season.

“The team played great as we attacked the ball defensively and then switching play to pressure offensively,” said Daniels in a team release. “We were fortunate to capitalize and score a couple of goals.”

Saturday’s match marked the Oceaneers’ ASL debut.  The team is guided by Revolution staff coach Jasir Charris, who had former Rhode Island Reds midfielder Wilder Arboleda and goalkeeper Chris Moura at his disposal. Moura collected a whopping 17 saves in Saturday’s rainy affair.

“Everyone contributed to the win tonight” said Western Mass head coach Federico Molinari in a team release. “The team defense was incredible; the quick transition was good; the players supported each other all over the field; it was nice to see.”

Western Mass returns to action on Saturday at Lusitano Stadium where they’ll host AC Crusaders. The Oceaneers will return to the pitch on Sept. 26 at Cranston Stadium for a clash against the Evergreen Diplomats.

ASL Notes: Saturday’s match marked the first time a pro team with the Oceaneers moniker took the pitch since 1977. The original R.I. Oceaneers played in the second incarnation of the American Soccer League from 1974-77. They won the league championship in 1974…Mass United earned a 1-1 draw against Ironbound Soul in New Jersey on Saturday. Rigoberto Jimenez Chirinos scored the Riders’ lone tally…

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