NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck boys soccer team has played four matches against Naugatuck Valley League opponents. The Greyhounds have yet to surrender a goal to conference foes.
But the lone goal Naugy has given up in the first quarter of its season — a marker by Pomperaug that downed the Greyhounds, 1-0, in a nonconference clash last Saturday — might have been the most impactful tally in any game the ‘Hounds have played so far.
“I think the Pomperaug loss is a game we need to learn from,” Naugatuck coach Ryan Kinne said. “They’re a solid Class LL team and the type of team we need to be able to compete with in November if we want to be successful. The loss was a nice wake-up call early in the year that we’re not invincible and we have to work and earn everything we get. But I think the boys will respond well and we will continue to improve.”
Aside from the blip against the Panthers, Naugatuck (4-1) has been flawless on the score sheet. The Greyhounds racked up a 4-0 win against Woodland last Friday with four different goal scorers: Tommy Martins, Matt Carroll, Chris Akinduro and Sam Rego. Carroll added an assist, as did Christian Jacobi and Yan Silva. Aren Seeger stopped four shots in net.
The roll continued Tuesday as Naugy posted a 3-0 victory over Holy Cross. Vinny Knupp scored twice, while Carroll tacked on another goal. Martins and Jacobi contributed assists, and Seeger and Zach Alves combined to make three saves.
The hot start has Kinne optimistic about the Greyhounds’ chances, but he says there’s plenty of work to do if they want to continue to be successful.
“I’m excited about the group we have,” Kinne said. “There’s a lot of talented players and it’s a solid blend of experience and youth. We are getting better with every game and training, but we need to improve our mentality and bring the same energy and work rate every game, rather than the moments we feel like it.”
Naugatuck will host Derby on Friday at 6 p.m., followed by the conclusion of its four-game homestand Sept. 26 against Sacred Heart.
