NAUGATUCK — Naugatuck boys soccer coach Ryan Kinne said his team thought about last year’s loss in the Naugatuck Valley League tournament to Woodland as the Greyhounds traveled to Beacon Falls to take on the Hawks Thursday.
It showed on the field.
The Greyhounds topped the Hawks, 3-1, for their fourth straight win.
“It was a big win for sure,” Kinne said after the game. “It was well deserved. These guys work hard every day, and they were ready for this game. We can’t enjoy it for too long. We are focusing on the games ahead, but it certainly felt good to get a win like that.”
Chris Akinduro had a goal and an assist, while Samuel Daniel and Lucas Silva each added a goal for Naugatuck.
It was the third straight game Silva scored a goal, including the only goal in a 1-0 win over Torrington Sept. 23.
Naugatuck has been clicking offensively and defensively, and have outscored NVL opponents 16-3.
Akinduro, Silva, Daniel and Mateus Filho each have at least three goals in just five league matches. Naugatuck goal keeper David Green has allowed more than a goal just once so far, an early-season 4-3 loss to Newtown.
Kinne said he’s been impressed with the team’s play so far.
“We have had a lot of great teams here, but this is one of the more talented teams, at least since I have coached here,” Kinne said. “We knew we would get contributions from Jay (Barth) and Chris (Akinduro), but guys like Lucas and Mateus (Filho) have really stepped up.”
The Greyhounds followed up the win over Woodland with a 1-1 tie in a non-league game against Joel Barlow in Redding on Saturday. Akinduro scored for Naugatuck (5-1-1, 5-0 NVL) and Green made four saves.
Before those road victories over Torrington and Woodland last week, the Greyhounds picked up wins over Seymour and St. Paul.
In the 3-0 win over St. Paul Sept. 20, Silva had a goal and an assist while Daniel and Filho each scored. Tim Rosa also added an assist.
In a 4-1 win over Seymour Sept. 18, Filho scored two goals, while Akinduro and Daniel scored, as well. Barth picked up two assists.
The Greyhounds will host Sacred Heart Friday before heading to Oxford Oct. 8.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated from the article published in the Oct. 3 edition of the Citizen’s News to include information on a game played after press time.
