New Faces, New Enthusiasm For E.O. Smith Boys
Bounce Back From Early Loss
With more than a dozen seniors gone and a slew of new faces, John Blomstrann knew his E.O. Smith boys soccer team would have a tough task replicating its magical 2017 season.
After going undefeated in the regular season last year, E.O. Smith lost to Rocky Hill on Friday. But the Panthers responded by gutting out a 3-2 overtime win over Farmington three days later.
“If you asked me, I’d say this wasn’t really our year to do that,” Blomstrann said. “We had probably 15 new players this year, and Farmington is pretty much a veteran team. They hadn’t given up a goal yet. I thought maybe we could sneak out a 1-0 win but not a shootout.”
A game-tying goal from senior Clark Bray and an overtime score from junior Sully Gildersleeve helped the Panthers notch Farmington’s first loss. Both players are among a handful taking advantage of increased playing time thanks to the many departures.
Gildersleeve has scored four of E.O. Smith’s eight goals this season. Cole Szegda, who played JV last year, has been a strength at center back. And Adam Ruchalski and Emmett Christenson, a converted keeper, have been solid defensively.
The Panthers do have a handful of returning pieces from last season. Senior center back Matt Wiggins, a four-year starter, helps anchor the defense alongside Szegda. And juniors Braeden Allen and Dylan Pallanck are back splitting time in goal, after doing the same as sophomores.
“They had a lot of good competition in practice last year, and they’re so happy to have a chance to play,” Blomstrann said. “We have the pressure, being E.O. Smith, but on paper we’re not expected to be as good. There’s a new enthusiasm.”
Southington seeks consistency: After reaching the Class LL playoffs each of the last two seasons, Southington girls coach Mike Linehan is focused on keeping his team aware of the work it still has ahead.
“Consistency is what I look for from year-to-year,” Linehan said. “And if we are [consistent], then I know we’re moving in the right direction. We don’t want to be a one-year wonder.”
The Blue Knights reached the Class LL second round last season, losing to eventual champ Ridgefield. They’ve opened this season with four straight shutouts, despite losing six seniors.
“It’s going good so far, and getting better every day,” Linehan said. “Those girls who replaced [the seniors] are all sophomores. They’ve done well under the circumstances. They’ve gotten their feet under them and look a little more comfortable.”
A big part of Southington’s success this season, though, have been the seniors, who remember the struggles of a five-win season in 2015. Forward Natalie Verderame has been the team’s leading scorer with center back Alijah Vega the defensive leader. Verderame, Vega and Gabby Mondo all serve as captains with Olivia Sherwood returning as a solid presence in goal.
The Blue Knights find themselves in a good position for a big challenge on Friday, when they take on perennial powerhouse Glastonbury on the road.
“It’s going to be a good early test for us to see where we are,” Linehan said. “But then we brush it off, win or lose, because we have Farmington the next game and that’s going to be tough, too. It’s a matter of staying focused, coming back and working again.”
Weekend notables: A slew of athletes scored three goals or better on Monday and over the weekend: Windham’s Alfonso Vazquez scored four goals in a win over Norwich Tech, and Hand’s Scott Testori scored four in an 8-1 win against North Haven. … On Monday, Jose Lopez had a hat trick for Hartford Public in a 3-0 win over Platt, and Lewis Mills’ Carter Viets had a hat trick in a win over Wamogo. … In girls soccer, Conard’s Sage Rovero, Glastonbury’s Sam Forrest and Suffield’s McKenzie Sullivan had hat tricks in wins over East Hartford, Tolland and Windsor Locks, respectively. … On Friday, Granby’s Grady Kelly, Old Lyme’s Quinn Romero, Valley Regional’s Michael Dilger and Windham Tech’s Abram Rosario each notched a hat trick in wins. … And Conard’s Andres Mayuri scored the overtime winner in a 2-1 victory over East Hartford on Tuesday.