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- Category: Past Issues
The NECONN Boys’ U11 soccer team traveled to Ellington on Sunday and eked out a hard fought 3-0 victory. This was a very evenly played match that could have gone either way if it weren’t for a very strong defensive effort by the NECONN backfield. Led by David Redfield, Evan Cunningham, Connor Fillmore, Cal Wilcox and William Liscomb, the defense shuttled in and out on a very hot day to frustrate all Ellington attempts at the NECONN goal. Five goalies combined for the shutout, as Max Paro, Sam Paul, Cal Wilcox , David Redfield and Evan Cunningham each took a turn in the net, and each of them were called upon to make a big save or two over the course of the afternoon.
On the offensive front, Chris Walker, Elijah Dufour, Tucker Sheehan, Sam Paul and Jack Liggett led the charge. It was a good effort by the forward line that led to a NECONN corner-kick at the ten minute mark of the first half. David Redfield stepped up to take the kick, which sailed perfectly towards the far post. In an attempt to clear the ball, an Ellington fullback inadvertently headed the ball into the back of his own net, creating an “own-goal” that Redfield was given credit for. Aggressive play continued, but neither team was able to find the back of the net as the first-half clock ticked away. With two minutes remaining, though, NECONN’s Chris Walker dribbled down the wing and into the box. He spotted Max Paro on a through run up the middle and lay off a nice pass to space. Max hustled to the undefended ball and was just able to take a left-footed slice to the far corner of the net that just eluded the diving Ellington keeper. With NECONN leading 2-0 going into the second half, both teams took turns attacking the opponent’s net, but it was NECONN’s Chris Walker who made the best of an offensive rush at the 11-minute mark when he took the ball deep down the left side of the field and laced a cross into the box. In a desperate attempt to clear the ball, an Ellington defensive back misfired and deflected the ball into his own net. From that point on, the NECONN defense took over, setting up numerous walls against Ellington direct-kicks, and the brilliant goaltending play of Sam Paul preserved the win.
NECONN’s record now stands at 2-1. They will take the Memorial Day weekend off and resume play the following Saturday as they host Marlborough at 4:30 p.m. on the Pomfret School campus.