East Providence girls' soccer team remembers 9/11, beats PCD

EAST PROVIDENCE — On an afternoon marked by a solemn remembrance of 9/11, the East Providence High School girls’ soccer team, the reigning Division III champions, thoroughly outclassed neighbor Providence Country Day, 7-0, in the 2017 league opener for both sides played Monday.

Senior co-captain Grace Abrams led the Townies with a hat-trick and also had an assist. Alyssa DeOliveira added a pair of goals and a helper. Hailey Placido and Isabella Monteiro each had a goal while Savannah Feola and Jaime Sousa had one assist apiece. Starting keeper Mia Jackson didn’t make a save in her half of action while Paige Chakouian had three saves over the final 40 minutes.

East Providence maintained a significant possession advantage through the contest and had several early good looks at goal, but didn’t capitalize on those opportunities until DeOliveira potted chance in the 12th minute. The Townies were later off and running when Abrams scored in the 22nd minute. Under duress for just the entire 80 minutes, PCD keeper Alison Corranza made a fine showing despite giving up the seven goals while making 25 saves.

The pre-game ceremony featured the East Providence Police and Fire Honor Guards, a vehicle parade of members from the Rhode Island section of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club and the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the EPHS Marching Band and a rendition of "Taps" by band trumpeter Jake DeBlois.

East Providence is back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 13, when the Townies travel to Pawtucket’s Max Read Field to face host Shea at 3:30 p.m.