EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence High School boys' soccer team left it late, but the Townies remained undefeated in the early of the 2023 Division I season after edging visiting Classical 2-1 Saturday morning, Sept. 16.

EP's Sam Jackson rammed home what proved the game-winning tally in the 74th minute off a scrum following a corner kick.

About 10 minutes earlier, the Purple nearly took the lead on a breakaway counter, 3v2. Fortunately for the hosts, however, the shot from range on the left wing sailed over the outstretched hands of a leaping EPHS keeper James McShane and clanged off the cross bar.

Weather was a meaningful factor in the contest. The wind was blowing strongly throughout the 80 minutes and gusted even harder at certain points.

The Townies had the wind in the second half, which definitely helped their cause. And East Providence played level through the first half, nullifying Classical's initial edge.

The hosts, in fact, scored the initial goal. Junior William Rodrigues netted his first tally of the year off an assist from Nathan Capelo to put EP out front 1-0. The Purple, though, later found the equalizer on a penalty kick after the Townies were whistled for an infraction inside the 18-yard box.

The PK was the lone goal allowed by McShane. The senior and first-time starter finished his day with six saves.

East Providence improved to 3-0-0 and with 9 points in the D-I standings. In the process, those who returned from last year avenged a crushing 2-1 upset loss to Classical in the opening round of last year's league playoffs on PKs.

Following Saturday's, the Townies return to pitch Tuesday, Sept, 19, when they host Lincoln High at 6:30.