GIRLS SOCCER GAMES TO WATCH

Notre Dame-Fairfield at Holy Cross, Sept. 8, 4 p.m.: Intriguing non-conference opener featuring last year’s Class S state champion (Holy Cross) and Class M state semifinalist (Notre Dame). Both teams are in Class L this season.

Ridgefield at Staples, Friday, Sept. 9, 4 p.m.:

The two FCIAC foes have tied each of the last five regular-season meetings.

Mercy at Amity, Sept. 13, 3:45 p.m.: Rematch of the SCC tournament final, won by Mercy in penalty kicks. Won’t have to worry about overtime this time around.

Southington at Simsbury, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m.: Simsbury was a Class L state finalist last year, Southington a finalist in 2019 in LL.

Southington at Glastonbury, Sept. 22, 6 p.m.: Remains the premier rivalry in the CCC.

Wilton at Staples, Sept. 23, 4 p.m.: A rematch of both the FCIAC tournament final (won by Staples) and the Class LL state tournament final (0-0, co-champions). Ridgefield at Southington, Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m.:

Part of the CCC-FCIAC Challenge. Should be a dandy. Sacred Heart Academy at Mercy, Sept. 30, 3:45 p.m.: Teams shared the Class M state co-championship last fall.

Glastonbury at St. Joseph, Oct. 4, 3:15 p.m.: Also part of that FCIAC/ CCC challenge. Very intriguing non-league matchup featuring the reigning Class L state champs (St. Joseph).

Mercy at Brookfield, Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m.: The team that won its first outright SCC tournament championship (Mercy) versus the team that won its first league title in four decades (Brookfield).

Staples at St. Joseph, Oct. 15, 11 a.m.: Two reigning state champions. Could very well determine the No. 1 seed in the FCIAC tournament.