Rolling along

0
67

Greyhounds blend balanced offense, stout defense

Naugatuck's Josh Aviles (12) tries to keep the ball away from Torrington's Michael DeSousa Oct. 1. Naugatuck won 2-0.  –RA ARCHIVE
Naugatuck’s Josh Aviles (12) tries to keep the ball away from Torrington’s Michael DeSousa Oct. 1. Naugatuck won 2-0. –RA ARCHIVE

NAUGATUCK — The key to success for Naugatuck boys soccer has always been centered around a physical defensive presence and the go-to-guy on offense. The Greyhounds never concerned themselves too much about scoring, as they always had that offensive dynamo to shoulder the load.

Not much has changed defensively for the ‘Hounds this season with a backline of Tyler Saad, Felipe Dutra and Andrew Carroll offering interference in front of goalies Enzo Pereira and Rabbi Ahmed.

“Our defense is solid with Tyler, the best defender in the league, if not the state,” Naugatuck head coach Art Nunes said. “Several colleges are looking at him. Felipe has the speed and athletic ability back there and both of these defenders compliment each other well.”

However, the offense has taken on a new look without that go-to-guy to rely on. What that has created is one of the deepest teams that Naugatuck has seen in quite some time.

A total of 13 different players have found the back of the net through seven games this season, making it a nightmare for teams trying to keep the ‘Hounds off the scoreboard.

Naugatuck held a 24-4 advantage on the scoreboard through a 7-0 start that includes three shutout victories.

The Greyhounds controlled Derby Sept. 24 in a 6-1 win before getting a much-needed break in the schedule. Ahmed got the job done in the net making four saves and the diversity of the ‘Hounds offense shinned.

Dan Mendes led the Greyhounds attack scoring two goals. Igor Silva directed traffic lending two assists. Devon Curtis, Dan Martins, Josh Aviles and Dutra scored goals with Dan Silva and Josh Monte adding assists.

“Our offense this year is a more balanced attack than in years past,” Nunes said. “We go with what ever our opponents are giving us. We have the speed to go over the top and we are physical enough to finesse the ball up the field. The goal is to utilize everyone’s strength.”

That offensive theory served Naugatuck well in the games where they have been tested. The Greyhounds earned a tough 3-1 victory over Pomperaug with Yunis Yilmoz and Abdul Gadoush putting goals in the net along with the teams leading scorer Joe Martins (six goals on the season). Pereira did his job in the net coming up with four saves to keep the Panthers at bay.

Naugatuck has been winning its share of possessions at midfield with Michael Campos using his athletic ability to make his presence felt. Maintaining possessions is what carried the ‘Hounds past Kennedy in a 4-0 win with Diogo Cruz and Adam Antunes putting shots into the back of the net. Dan Martins and Aviles added a goal and an assist to help pace the offense and it was the combined efforts of Pereira and Ahmed with four saves in the net that kept the Eagles off the scoreboard.

Naugatuck's Felipe Dutra sends the ball up field during their 2-0 win over Torrington Oct. 1. –RA ARCHIVE
Naugatuck’s Felipe Dutra sends the ball up field during their 2-0 win over Torrington Oct. 1. –RA ARCHIVE

At 8-0, Nunes knows there are a lot games left in the season.

“We haven’t done anything special,” Nunes said. “We are just one of about 15 undefeated teams in the state, but it’s early and there are a lot of games left to play.”

Nunes said the focus has been on making sure each player is ready when their number is called.

“The focus is to get everybody ready to contribute when they get out there. That’s why we are using two goal keepers. We don’t want to miss a step when we make a substitution,” Nunes said. “We went 20-0 last year and didn’t make it past the second round of the states. We can’t look past our next game but we do need to have the quality depth to compete with anyone.”

Naugatuck passed a tough test against Torrington (6-2) Wednesday. The Greyhounds earned a 2-0 win over the Red Raiders in a rematch of last year’s NVL title game.

Yan Silva and Joe Martins each scored in the second half to give Naugy the 2-0 win.

The rough stretch continues for Naugy, which will be at Seymour (6-2) on Friday. Next week will have the ‘Hounds playing three games in a four-day span at Crosby on Tuesday at Torrington on Oct. 8 and home to Holy Cross Oct. 10.

“We got a tough road ahead of us,” Nunes said leading up to the Torrington game. “We need to stay focused and not look past anyone. All the games are going to be tough from here on out. It’s not a make-or-break scenario but it’s big nonetheless. It will certainly be an interesting two weeks to see where we measure up.”