The last week of the regular season could offer us some November previews.
Several of the Division I girls soccer title contenders will clash before we turn the page to the playoffs. Parity reigns in Divisions II and IV, and those tight races surround a St. Raphael team looking to close perfect in Division III.
It’s an ideal time to dial up the intrigue. There is no better test than a difficult one, and those will be frequent. North Kingstown plays rival South Kingstown and Chariho, Cumberland battles Smithfield and Cranston West, La Salle takes on the Falcons and Rebels – it’s all you could want at the top.
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More:VOTE now for the Providence Journal Boys Soccer Player of the Week!
Prout, Scituate and Coventry all have three league losses in Division II. Attempting to tab a real favorite in those standings at this point would be difficult. The Crusaders have been at or near the top of the table for most of the fall, but they won’t be taking anything for granted.
The Saints have ripped off a 16-0-0 start and sit two matches from carrying an unblemished record into the Division III bracket. Johnston and Central stand in the way – handle them and St. Raphael maintains its momentum. Tiverton, Blackstone Valley Prep, Lincoln School and Davies have all made a case to be considered a contender in Division IV.
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 coaches. They come with a reminder and a request – we need your help.
Coaches and athletic administrators are asked to contact us with results every time you play. This is recognition for your players that we’re happy to offer, but we can’t do it without your contributions. We need those coming in regularly.
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.
Contreras was productive offensively in all three wins for the Saints last week. She dished out two assists in a 4-0 shutout of Rogers and added two more in a 3-2 squeaker against Bay View. Contreras collected two goals and an assist in a closing victory over Classical.
The Rams have been in top form as of late and Falcone has helped power them with her offensive touch. She was among the scorers in a 3-0 blanking of Barrington and hit for four goal contributions – a hat trick and an assist – in a win over Portsmouth.
McIntyre did half the scoring damage as the Titans took out Coventry in Division II. The first-year standout collected a hat trick to help Toll Gate spring a mild upset.
Papa helped drive the Chieftains to a couple high-scoring wins last week. She racked up two goals and an assist in a 6-5 thriller against North Providence and added two more goals in a 6-2 triumph over Toll Gate.
The Patriots scored at will in a couple victories last week and Silva was in the thick of the action. She hit for a hat trick and an assist in a 4-0 shutout of Central Falls and added two goals and an assist in a victory over Hope.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
