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Centaurs
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Div. I title
While the Woodstock Academy girls’ soccer team was a virtual lock to win its Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I title, the boys’ soccer team needed a little help.
A 3-1 loss to Bacon Academy Oct. 12 on a wet field in Colchester meant the Centaurs had to hope that the Bobcats would do them a little favor and beat front-running Ledyard Oct. 16 (the game ended too late for this edition).
If that happened and if the Centaurs (7-5-1, 5-2 ECC Division II) beat Waterford, also on Oct. 16, the division would end in a three- way tie for the regular season title.
Brady Noniewicz gave the Bobcats the lead early in the match when a low save by Jack Lotter got away from the Centaurs’ keeper and Noniewicz stuffed in the rebound.
The Centaurs regained the momentum when both Chase Anderson and Aaron Johnson had good opportunities.
“They kept working and got their reward,” said Centaurs coach Paul Rearden.
Doug Newton was fouled by Bacon Academy about 25 yards away from its net. Sean Rearden took the free kick and found the back of the net.
The match went into halftime tied as another good chance, a header by Anderson, was popped up just a little too high and went over the crossbar.
The sun made it tough on the Centaurs in the second half.
The Bobcats were awarded a corner five minutes into the half which was cleared. But it was volleyed back in.
“With the blinding sun right behind the ball, everyone, including our keeper (Isidro De Icaza), was unsighted and helpless to stop it from going in,” said Paul Rearden.
Just five minutes later, Noniewicz again found himself in a good position to make a play.
Bacon Academy was awarded another corner and the Centaurs again found themselves staring into the sun.
Noniewicz took advantage and slipped in, glancing it off his head inside the near post.
“The boys regrouped and fought to get back in,” Paul Rearden said.
Anderson misfired on another and Reid Butler’s attempt was stopped by Bacon Academy keeper Ioannis Valkanos.
“It wasn’t our day,” Paul Rearden said. “They all gave 110 percent and you couldn’t fault anyone for their effort, but things just went against us. Bacon Academy did well and the game was played with respect on both sides.”
The Centaurs kept their hopes alive for a share of the ECC Division II regular season title on Wednesday by knocking off the previously undefeated, in division play, Ledyard Colonels, 3-0.
Senior Ethan Holcomb scored on a header off a cross from Alejandro Quintas Gonzalez 28 minutes into the match to give the Centaurs the 1-0 halftime advantage.
Eric Phongsa added a little insurance halfway through the second half when Sean Rearden slipped a ball into Huck Gelhaus who slid a through ball to Phongsa.
Matt LaBounty put it out of reach 15 minutes later.
A Sean Rearden corner found the foot of Anderson.
The fullback faked the Colonels’ defense which opened a path to LaBounty. His strike off the Anderson pass found the upper portion of the Ledyard net.
“It was a complete performance from the lads. Not only did they move the ball quickly and smartly, but also did the less glamorous side of the game and gave 110 percent on every challenge and every 50/50. I’ve never been prouder of a Woodstock Academy team,” Paul Rearden said.
The loss ended a nine-game winning streak for the Colonels (10-2, 6-1).
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
The Woodstock Academy
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