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- Category: Past Issues
caption, page 9:
Champs
… wearing their bright orange CHAMPION jerseys: front row, left to right: Coach Air Phongsa, coach Syd Blodgett, Dylan O’Hara, Courtney Lavoie, Abby Horst, Joelle Morrone, Janna Mullaly, Rachelle Pepin, coach Bill Morrone. Back: Maegan Hernberg, Hannah Fillmore, Monica Phongsa, Carly Quinn, Lily Pritchard, Harley Blodgett, Danielle Nowak, Paige Carito, Carly Scott. Not pictured: Mackenzie Papuga. Courtesy photo.
Now it's
official:
Champs
“The players tell me that the ‘co-‘ is silent,” said coach Syd Blodgett with a grin.
The Under-16 NECONN Tigers soccer team was declared a co-champion June 18 at the Connecticut Cup Final Championship game in Simsbury. After a full regulation game and two overtime periods, the game ended in a tie. Both teams (NECONN and Farmington) were declared winners, consistent with the CT Junior Soccer Association rules.
“Every player on our team put out a 110 percent effort. By the end of the game, they were totally drained, and we (coaches) couldn’t ask for anything more,” said coach Bill Morrone of the NECONN team. It was a long game, played under a hot sun, with little or no time to rest. “Both teams had several opportunities to score, yet both had a strong defensive squad,” added coach Air Phongsa. “All teams at this level realize that defense is the key to success”.
Farmington has consistently fielded one of the best teams in the state, advancing to the CT Cup championship three other times within the past few seasons. It was apparent that they expected to beat NECONN. As the game wore on, Farmington’s frustration grew more obvious.
The Tigers had an outstanding season. Along with their success at the CT Cup, additional achievements this spring included: Playing eight consecutive games without being scored on, winning two games with less than a full squad on the field (and no substitutes), winning the Cheshire Tournament, and scoring seven goals in a single game.
NECONN provides both competitive and recreational soccer programs for boy and girls of all ages. The experience and dedication of the volunteers who run the club provide a positive learning environment for children of all skill levels. For more information, please visit their website at www.neconn.org.