New England Soccer Today

ASL: Oceaneers Post Comeback Win

Photo credit: Justin Churchill

Photo credit: Justin Churchill

Braima Samati put the finishing touches on a furious, late-game rally by scoring minutes before full time for the Rhode Island Oceaneers (3-3-3, 12 points), who grabbed a 3-2 comeback win over the previously-unbeaten Western Mass Pro Soccer (6-1-4, 22 points) on Saturday at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville, Mass.

Samati scored the game-winner in the 88th minute, not long after Andrew Sousa converted an 84th minute penalty to level it. Phil Towler handed the O’s some much-needed life in the 72nd minute after the Lusitanos built a two-goal lead from Frank D’Agostino and Luke Perry in the 55th and 62nd minutes, respectively.

Western Mass was forced to finish the match shorthanded after Lawrence Jasenski was issued a straight red card in the 83rd minute.

The Oceaneers unfurled a revamped attack that featured two former MLS players in Sousa (Revolution) and Ryan Maduro (Red Bulls), who assisted on Samati’s winner. Coach Jasir Charris saw his squad outshoot the potent Lusitanos 12-5, and forced goalkeeper Jose Silva to make three saves.

Western Mass got its first taste of life without scoring star Will Daniels, who was transferred to Icelandic second-division outfit KF Aegir during the winter. Christopher Roswess got the nod up top, and he went on to set up Perry for the squad’s second goal.

Saturday’s match was the first time Rhode Island had beaten Western Mass. Last year, the Lusitanos claimed a pair of 2-0 wins over their neighbors to the south.

The Oceaneers return to action on Apr. 25 against Evergreen Diplomats at Riverside Sports Complex in Cumberland. Md. Western Mass will be back on the pitch on Apr. 18 to face Commonwealth rival Mass United FC at Manning Stadium in Lynn, Mass.

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