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NECONN
shuts out
Stafford
After three consecutive ties, the NECONN boys’ U14 soccer team finally got back on the winning track and defeated Stafford Oct. 16 by the score of 3-0. Chris Walker was the goalie of record and recorded the team’s first shut-out of the year.
For most of the first period, NECONN controlled the play but was unable to score. Forwards Jonathan Hummer, Sam Paul and Elijah Dufour had numerous good looks at the net, but the talented Stafford goalie turned aside all shots. During this dry spell, the defensive line of Jack Liggett, David Redfield, Alec Nystrom and William Liscomb were a brick wall in the back, preventing Stafford from mounting any sustained attacks.
With five minutes left in the half, NECONN finally got on the board. It all started on a nice run-up the right sideline. Sam Paul took the ball deep to the end line and then slotted a nice through ball across the box. It was Max Paro who fought for position and knocked the ball past the diving Stafford keeper.
Up 1-0 starting the second half, NECONN immediately put on the pressure. Robert Totten stripped the ball from Stafford on their kick-off play and sent the ball deep into zone. NECONN’s hard work was rewarded when Marco Suriano drew a crowd, passed off to Paro, who then converted for his second goal of the game just a minute and a half into the period. The 2-0 lead looked in jeopardy, though, when seven minutes later NECONN was call for a trip in the box. Stafford lined up for the penalty kick, but NECONN goalie Chris Walker guessed right on the kick, dove to his right and stifled the ball with his outstretched hands.
Momentum now back on the NECONN side, play resumed back in the NECONN offensive end of the field, with Sean McGroary, Ethan Rogers and Zach Gagnon controlling much of the play. NECONN would cap off the scoring with fifteen minutes left in the game when David Redfield beat his man and distributed the ball to Aaron Lambert who emphatically buried the ball into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.
NECONN’s record now stands at 3-1-3 and will close out the regular season Oct. 23 when they host WAM (Willington, Ashford & Mansfield) at 3 p.m. on the Pomfret School campus.
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Double Teaming
NECONN’s Ethan Rogers and William Liscomb double-team Stafford Oct. 16. NECONN won 3-0. Photo courtesy of Jenn McGroary.