THE AVENGERS
Bears rout Plainville in Class M rematch and reach title game
West Haven — Stonington turned a CIAC Class M semifinal rematch into a mismatch.
The second-seeded Bears seized command by scoring two goals less than eight minutes apart in the first half and then remained in the driver's seat the rest of the way, finishing off No. 19 and defending champion Plainville 4-0 at Strong Stadium.
Stonington avenged a 2-1 loss to Plainville in last year's semifinal and clinched a spot in the state championship game for the first time since 1994. It shared the 1993 Class M title with RHAM for its lone CIAC championship.
“We've been on a mission all year,” senior Tyler Fidrych said. “We have shirts in practice that say, `Our turn.' This year we came in and wanted to get back. We were so close last year. We've been getting closer and closer every year.
“And we just think it's our year and we came in here as motivated as possible.”
Their opponent in the final on Saturday will be tops-seeded Ellington, which beat Ledyard 3-0 in Tuesday's other semifinal. The time and location have yet to be announced.
It's been an impressive tournament run by the Bears (19-0-2), who have outscored their three opponents 17-0.
“I didn't think it would be 4-0,” Stonington coach Paul de Castro said. “I thought we'd have to hold on for
dear life. But, at the end of the day, I have a lot of confidence in our guys. I told them before the game started that I love them no matter what happened. I had a feeling that it was to turn out our way today.
“Everybody played great on our team. I think they were ready.”
Stonington's best players played their best, according to deCastro.
Fidrych and sophomore Sam Montalto, the team's top scorers, produced some goal-scoring magic, each chipping in two goals. Fidrych also added an assist.
The opportunistic Bears took advantage of their limited scoring chances in the first half.
The all-important first goal was delivered by Fidrych, who fired home a penalty kick with just under 24 minutes remaining in the first half.
“That was big,” Fidrych said. “It changed the game.”
The goal energized the Bears, who picked up their attack.
About seven and a half minutes later, Stonington seized a 2-0 lead on Montalto's great individual effort and clinical finish.
Fidrych started the scoring play by knocking a pass down the left side to Montalto, who used his speed to blow by the last defender and then dribbled toward the goal. Montalto's low shot beat goalie Joey Raimondi, hit the near post and rolled in.
Entering the second half up two goals, the Bears put the game away.
Montalto's blast from about 25 yards out increased the lead to 3-0 with 23:04 remaining. Fidrych capped the scoring by banging in the rebound of his own shot.
The Bears defended with numbers and determination to limit the Blue Devils. They contained high scoring junior Patrick Grzyczewski who had two harmless shots that both went wide.
They'll face a tall task in Saturday's final. But you can bet they'll ready.
They've waited a long time for a shot at a state title.
“It means everything,” Fidrych said. “I've wanted this since I was a freshman. It's been a dream of mine and we're going to be there. It's just crazy and it's so surreal.” g.keefe@theday.com