CRHS Boys Soccer Victorious Under Friday Night Lights

There was an outpouring of support for both teams as the CRHS boys soccer team travelled to Portland to play under the lights.  The team was well aware of the girl’s victory the night before.  With the bleachers and sidelines packed with parents and friends who would otherwise not be able to attend a game if not for the late start and lighted field, they set their goals on following suit.

Those plans came under heavy fire less than 15 seconds after the first whistle of the match.  Portland drew first blood before a player in a visiting blue jersey ever touched the ball.  Portland’s Senior Captain Michael Stefansky was instrumental in helping string together 5 passes that eventually placed the ball on his Co-Captain’s foot.  Senior Abner Velasco was wide open in the goal mouth with only CRHS Senior Goal Keeper Jeff Cummings to beat.  Jeff did all he could but Velasco’s shot was placed perfectly.  The score was 1-nil and only 14 seconds had elapsed from the game clock.

If that beginning was ‘storybook’, then the rest of the game was right out of Coach Cap’s ‘playbook’.  The coach hung his head, maybe even just mentally, but he didn’t say a word to the 11 players on the field.  Coach knows that when something like that happens, especially early in the season, it’s time to find out what kind of team you have.  Anyone who doesn’t believe in team chemistry needs to continue reading (why not, you’ve lasted this long!)

The CRHS Boys Soccer team did the one thing that needed to be done – they didn’t panic.  They had just watched one of the state’s best players (not only according to this reporter, but the Hartford Courant as well.) score an amazing and very intimidating goal. 

The team knew two things; there were 79 minutes (and 46 seconds) of soccer left to play, and they trusted each other.

There may have been an initial period of unsettled play immediately after the goal, but it didn’t last long.  The boys stuck to their game and showed that they were determined to right the ship.

In the next few minutes, and for the better part of the half, they played a possession game; short, quick, head’s-up passes.  Not too many long balls.  On-field communication.  Aggressive to the 50-50s.  No fouls.  And it all started coming back.  They sensed that they were not out of the game.  Not by a long shot.

The momentum was shifting, and on a very unfortunate play for Portland, it swung completely in the Blue Devil’s favor.  With less than 5 minutes to play in the half, Senior Defender Luke Fowler, having his 3rd consecutive outstanding match, crossed a ball to the top of the box.  In an attempt to clear, the ball went backwards off the defender’s head and into the goal.  The score was now tied at 1, the pain of the early score was completely erased.

CRHS continued the attack and with less than 1 minute remaining in the half Sophomore Midfielder Kyle Judson sent a cross from the right side.  Senior Tyler Kovacs finished the play, heading the ball down and in.  Coginchaug went to the half with a 2-1 lead.

The Devil’s were playing well, but every person watching this match had to feel that that score was not going to last.  Just over 10 minutes into the period, Senior Jack Temple played a beautiful, hooking ball into the box.  The bend he put on the serve was exactly what he needed. He pulled the keeper out of the net and more importantly kept the ball just enough out of his reach.  It also curved onto the foot of attacking Forward, Sophomore Alec Bogen, for what would become the game winner.

Portland has to be given plenty of credit here.  Portland is a skilled team with size and speed.  When they attacked, they were dangerous and frightening.  They too showed a strong resolve.  They never gave up, which is why it was one of the best High School matches I’ve ever seen.  Their sheer determination came through, but unfortunately it came too late.  With 1 minute and 30 seconds left in regulation, Velasco struck again.  This time taking the ball skillfully through heavy traffic and fired a powerful shot that found the net even after Cummings got a stiff arm on it. The score once again reflected how close the game was.

CRHS rode out the remaining time for the thrilling 3-2 victory.

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