Branford player tests positive for COVID-19

The Branford boys soccer team had its first two regular-season games rescheduled because the team is in quarantine due to a player testing positive for COVID-19.

Branford co-athletic director Jake Palluzzi confirmed the case reported by Hearst Connecticut Media on Thursday was a member of the boys soccer team. Hamlet Hernandez, Branford’s superintendent of schools, said in a letter to parents that the person in question was last at Branford High on Tuesday.

Palluzzi said the contract tracing led to the team being quarantined through Oct. 5.

“We were warming up for practice on Thursday when we got notification that we should take the kids off the field,” Branford boys soccer coach Paul Hunter said. “I don’t think we will end up being unique in this situation (for the season). We told the kids to keep working on their fitness, get touches on the ball and we will see you on the 6th (of October).”

Next Friday’s home game against East Haven will likely move to Oct. 10 while the Oct. 6 road opener at Hand likely moves to November. The Hornets will now open the season on Oct. 8 at Career/Hillhouse.

Branford also had a scrimmage against Foran on Saturday canceled.

“It does put us behind the 8 ball a little bit,” Hunter said. “Most teams will have played two games (by the time Branford returns to action). We will be coming in without that preparation, without any scrimmages. We will be a little bit behind the other teams, but at the same time, we have to deal with it.”