TY CATUNTO SCORES FIRST CAREER GOAL IN, 3-0, WIN OVER CURRY

Providence, R.I.-- Rhode Island College sophomore midfielder Ty Catunto (New Bedford, MA) notched his first career goal and sophomore forward Komla Dogbey (Providence, RI) scored one goal and added two helpers as the Anchormen topped Curry, 3-0, in non-conference action played at the RIC Soccer Field on Wednesday night.

The Anchormen (6-4) and the Colonels (10-3) struggled to find an offensive flow early, with neither team threatening the opponent’s goal. Each team managed to get some offensive opportunities in the middle of the frame, but it wasn’t until the 38th minute when RIC junior goalkeeper Chris Moura (Rumford, RI) dove to his right to stop a point blank shot by Curry senior forward Matt Cotnoir (Longmeadow, MA) that either offense managed a decisive scoring opportunity.

The Anchormen would get their best opportunity of the half in the 41st minute when Dogbey broke in on junior goalkeeper Dan Johnson (Easton, CT) and was dragged down in the box, drawing a penalty shot. RIC senior José Zarraga (Providence, RI) calmly sent a shot towards the low right corner, but Johnson made a spectacular diving save to keep the game scoreless going into the break.

Sophomore midfielder Ty Catunto

Moura made four saves and Johnson stopped five in the stanza. Curry held an 11-9 advantage in shots in the frame.

RIC came out of the break strong, peppering Johnson with quality chances, but the junior proved to be up to the challenge, turning away the first four shots in the second period. RIC would finally break through in the 66th minute when junior defender Evan Rosa (Rehoboth, MA) sent a long pass up the right side to Dogbey who sprinted up field, cut to the middle and ripped a shot into the upper right 90 of the net from 20 yards out.

The Anchormen doubled their advantage in the 69th minute with Catunto finding the back of the net off the set-up from Zarraga and Dogbey. The game got noticeably more physical down the stretch, with four yellow cards being handed out.

RIC notched the final goal of the evening in the 74th minute off a set piece from 40 yards out. Junior midfielder Thomas Wampler (Attleboro, MA) sent a deep cross to the left side of the box, which Dogbey flicked on to a streaking Zarraga’s foot, which he in turn redirected into the net.

Moura (6-3) earned his second shutout of the season, turning away 11 shots in the victory. Johnson (10-3), who made many spectacular saves to keep the game close, stopped 11 in the defeat.

RIC outshot the Colonels 24-20, with Curry holding a slim, 7-6, edge in corner kicks.

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will resume Little East Conference action at home against Keene State on Saturday, Oct. 10 (1 p.m.).