The fall high school sports season in Connecticut officially begins today, September 15, 2023, featuring a lineup of boys and girls soccer, field hockey, and several other sports. This year, teams are particularly optimistic, with several local squads, including the defending champions, aiming for repeat successes.
Farmington and Tolland boys soccer teams, alongside the Mercy girls soccer squad, are set to defend their state titles. Meanwhile, other teams like Northwest Catholic’s girls soccer are determined to advance after falling short in previous finals. Here’s a closer look at the top stories from various fall sports.
Boys Soccer Championship Contenders
Farmington’s boys soccer team, which boasts 18 seniors, aims to maintain its championship momentum. The River Hawks captured the Class LL championship last season with a 3-1 victory over Xavier. Despite losing a significant number of seniors, the team still retains key players, including goalkeeper Dante Fierro and senior Ian Manton, who scored in the state final. Coach Nick Boorman expressed confidence in his team, noting their strong preseason performance. Farmington will face Xavier again in a rematch during the Connecticut High School Soccer Challenge this Saturday.
Tolland, fresh off its own state title, is another team to watch. The Eagles return 16 seniors from their Class M championship squad, including Jon Adadjo, who scored the game-winning goal in last year’s final. Coach Mike Caccomo acknowledges the high expectations but emphasizes the need for the team to deliver on paper. Tolland will begin its season against Hall, a traditional contender.
Hall’s roster has undergone changes, particularly with the loss of standout player Freddy Wright due to an ACL injury. Nonetheless, the Titans are looking to leverage their balanced team, led by senior midfielder Diego Lemes. Their early schedule includes challenging matchups against Tolland and Farmington, which will provide a significant test for their squad.
Strong Aspirations in Girls Soccer
In girls soccer, the excitement centers around Mercy, whose Molly Benson scored a last-second goal to clinch the Class LL title against St. Joseph last year. With four returning starters, including senior goalkeeper Emily Hickey, the team is poised for another strong season. Coach Marcus Harley remains optimistic about their prospects, noting their ability to compete effectively in preseason games.
Northwest Catholic, which reached the Class M finals last year but fell to Lewis Mills, is also looking to make a mark this season. The team returns eight seniors, including Maeve Staunton, who has committed to play at UConn. Her teammate Abby Casper will add depth as a goalkeeper. The Lions are bolstered by fresh talent, making them a formidable opponent this year.
Field Hockey and Cross Country Highlights
In field hockey, Glastonbury seeks to re-establish itself as a competitive force. After facing tough challenges in recent years, the Guardians aim to build on their experience with 14 returning players. Senior Deirdre McKeirnan will lead the offense, and Coach Maureen Perkins is optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season.
In cross country, Glastonbury’s team, which recently secured its sixth State Open title, is led by returning talent after the graduation of top runner Brooke Strauss. Sophomore Lauren Parrett is expected to shine following her impressive performance last year. The team aims to contend for both the Class LL and State Open titles this season.
Mercy’s cross country team, featuring 10 seniors, has steadily improved, winning the Class MM title last year and finishing as runners-up in the State Open. Coach Matt Conyers commended the seniors for their contributions to the team’s resurgence.
As the season progresses, high school sports fans eagerly anticipate how these teams will perform in their quest for championships. With strong contenders across various sports and a commitment to excellence, the fall season in Connecticut promises to deliver exciting moments and memorable achievements.