Back in the action: Budd returns as Wave girls soccer starts states at Warde

Written by Steven Buono
Saturday, 07 November 2009 09:34

Updated Monday, 09 November 2009

The Darien girls soccer team missed the FCIAC playoffs, but the girls will return to the fall '09 fray when the Wave visits Fairfield Warde to play the Mustangs in round one of the CIAC Class L championship tournament at 4 p.m. today.

This game will be covered on this site tonight.

The much injured Wave (8-6-1) has a full complement of players back from various injuries, including key defender Alex Budd, just back from a long spell on the sidelines. That's everyone except for top scorer Kelly Mahoney out for the season — a huge blow to the Wave, and beyond that of losing its biggest offensive weapon.

"We'll try to win this one game and then go on from there," said Darien coach Jon Bradley. "We just got (most) everyone back yesterday."

Darien finished 17th in the division.

Warde (7-4-5) is the 16 seed by virture of a .594 winning percentage, while Darien slipped one below the Mustangs with a .567.

The Wave beat Warde 1-0 in the two team's only meeting during the regular season on Sept. 16.

Above Alex Pear (No. 10) looks to make the tackle with teammate Ellie Bullitt (No. 20) in support at New Canaan last month.

(Darien Times/Steven Buono photo)