CT High School Soccer Challenge expanding to 24 teams

In what has become the signature weekend for state soccer outside of the state championships, the Connecticut High School Soccer Challenge will return for a third season and again has expanded.

Next September, 24 teams from six conferences will come together to compete in a full day of games at FSA in Farmington on Saturday September 14.

What began as the successful CCC-FCIAC Challenge two seasons ago, expanded to 20 teams from five conferences last fall and is now at 24 with teams from the CCC, ECC, FCIAC, SCC, SWC and NCCC all competing.

“Multiple teams have reached out about the possibility of being in the event,” Farmington coach and event committee member Nick Boorman said. “There were even two out-of-state teams that enquired about the showcase.

“We already have new Connecticut teams that have asked to be part of the showcase in the 2025 season. Our 2024 slate of games is an excellent group of 24 teams representing six conferences highlighting many of the best teams and players in the state.”

The 2024 field will include defending CIAC Class LL champion Hall and runner-up Stamford in separate games, FCIAC champion Trumbull, SCC champion Xavier and SWC champion Bethel. 2022 state champions Ellington and Cheshire will also be participating.

Each game will feature at least one CCC team.

The idea of getting so many great teams and quality players together in one location, Boorman said, not only appeals to fans but also to college coaches who can get a lot of scouting done at once.

Boorman said at least 37 college programs either attended the event in person last season or requested film from all the games since many college teams play on Saturday.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to promote Connecticut High School Soccer,” Boorman said. “The event puts many of the best players and teams in the state on display, creates a showcase for high school players that college coaches will attend and generates positive rivalries against top teams across the state.”

No admission will be charged. There is a snack bar on the FSA campus between the fields.

The times will not be set until the fall CIAC schedule officially is released, but the following games have been confirmed: Berlin (CCC) vs. Cheshire

(SCC): This is a rematch of a Class L first-round game last season, won 3-1 by Cheshire. Cheshire won the 2022 Class L title and was a semifinalist last season.

Glastonbury (CCC) vs. Stamford (FCIAC): Stamford was an FCIAC and Class LL finalist last season while Glastonbury won the CCC tournament and is an 11-time state champion.

Farmington (CCC) vs. Xavier (SCC): Xavier has won four-straight SCC championships and was the Class L runner-up in 2022. Farmington is a 13time state champion, last winning Class LL in 2021.

Simsbury (CCC) vs. Brien McMahon (FCIAC): McMahon lost in double overtime to eventual Class LL champion Hall in the second round last year while Simsbury lost in double overtime to Class L champion East Lyme in the second round. South Windsor (CCC) vs. Westhill (FCIAC): Westhill reached the Class LL quarterfinals, losing 2-0 to

Stamford. South Windsor was the CCC tournament runner-up.

Hall (CCC) vs. Fairfield Prep (SCC): Hall is the defending Class LL champion and has won 10 state titles overall, appearing in state finals in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, winning titles in 2019 and 2023. Fairfield Prep was the SCC runner-up last season.

Middletown (CCC) vs. Bethel (SWC): This is a rematch of a 2-0 Bethel win in the Class L second round. Bethel won the SWC and has several key players returning. Middletown brings back four All-CCC players from the 2023 CCC South co-champions.

Conard (CCC) vs. Trumbull (FCIAC): Both teams lost in the Class LL second round but are perennial contenders in the top class. Trumbull has won back-to-back FCIAC titles.

Tolland (CCC) vs. Ellington (NCCC): Two strong programs in Class M. Ellington won the tournament in 2022. Both teams were eliminated by RHAM in last year’s tournament.

RHAM (CCC) vs. Bacon Academy (ECC): RHAM beat Bacon in the seasonopener last year. RHAM was the CCC East champion and the No. 1 seed in Class M, eventually losing to Stonington on PKs in the semifinals.

East Hartford (CCC) vs. Newington (CCC): The lone matchup of the Challenge between two CCC schools. East Hartford was a top-five team in the CCC and return most of its starting lineup. Newington is always a contender in the CCC and Class L.

Wethersfield (CCC) vs. Newtown (SWC): Wethersfield has won 16 CIAC state championships while Newtown has appeared in seven state finals, winning twice with the last coming in 2004. Two strong Class L teams.