There’s only one week left in the logjam that is the Division I boys soccer table.
Bishop Hendricken, Cumberland, North Kingstown, La Salle, Portsmouth, Moses Brown – they’ve all made a real bid for the top spot over the course of the last two months. And that list doesn’t include a team in some of the best recent form. South Kingstown is 4-0-1 in its last five and building steam for the playoffs.
This is where the real fun begins. The Clippers and Patriots square off Tuesday night while the Skippers and Quakers meet Thursday. Seeding might not mean much considering just how tight this field seems to be heading toward November.
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More:VOTE now for the Providence Journal Girls Soccer Player of the Week!
Division II isn’t much different. Mt. Hope, Shea, Chariho and North Providence have all collected at least 10 league wins. East Greenwich has suffered only two defeats and would be a threat against anyone in an elimination format.
Scituate was held to a pair of 1-1 draws last week against Smithfield and Shea, spoiling its chances of a perfect season. The Spartans are still the favorites in Division III and stand just two matches from going unbeaten into the playoffs. Johnston and Cranston East will attempt to ruin the party late.
Our next five Player of the Week nominees are here. These names were selected from games covered by Journal staff members or reported to us by schools. They come with a reminder – we need your help.
Coaches and athletic administrators – home or away – are asked to contact us with their results every time you play. This is recognition for your players and communities, and we’re happy to offer it. We just need some cooperation on a nightly basis, and we hope that’s not too difficult to ask.
We can’t take submissions from parents, family or club coaches. Please reach us via phone Monday through Friday from 6-10 p.m. at (401) 277-7340 or via email at pjsports@providencejournal.com. Thanks in advance to everyone who will be in contact with us throughout the season.
Voting in the online poll ends later this week. Phone calls, emails and social media contact won’t be considered. Logging into this story and participating through the link provided is your only option.
With that, on to the players.
Ciotti hit for a hat trick in a rivalry match against East Providence. His three goals accounted for the bulk of the scoring as the Rams cruised to a 4-0 shutout of the Townies.
The Rebels have been in good form as of late and posted a strong 3-0 shutout of Portsmouth last week. Dabakh hit for a goal and an assist to help South Kingstown with part of its five-match unbeaten run.
The Huskies aren’t short of offensive options and leaned on Gonzalez in a tight matchup with Lincoln last week. He scored both goals while driving Mt. Hope to a 2-1 triumph over the Lions.
The freshman has wasted no time making himself a piece of his team’s attack. He posted a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over Central Falls and was on target again in a 2-1 victory over Central.
The Broncos doubled up Rogers, 4-2, and Torres Luna was all over the scoresheet for the winners. His three assists helped spark the attack and push Burrillville past the Vikings.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
