Boys soccer: Warriors make states despite loss

Written by John Miscioscia
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 09:47

The Wilton High boys soccer team lost its final regular-season game to New Canaan, 1-0, Wednesday night but still qualified for the state tournament.

The Warriors dropped to 4-7-4 but still qualified with a .400 winning percentage.

The Warriors had kept their post-season hopes alive with a 7-1 win over winless Harding-Bridgeport on Monday night at Lilly Field, on Senior Night.

Wilton head coach Jim Lewicki’s starting lineup against Harding consisted of all seniors, with John Hoag manning the goal for the first time this season and co-captain Scott Brown suiting up for the first time this year.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery and was just cleared to play, played for only the first four minutes of the game.

Connor Latella opened the scoring for Wilton, assisted by Robbie Serenbetz, seven minutes into the game. Wilton got its second goal just 23 seconds later on a shot from Andy Nachemson, with an assist from Latella.

Wilton’s Gavin Woolard netted a hat trick as he scored the team’s final three goals of the game, with his last goal coming on a header.

Serenbetz and Wesley Mittra tallied Wilton’s other goals.

Edwin Carvajal, Ian Halter, Ben Quantock, Mittra and Woolard all had assists for the Warriors.

Wilton controlled the flow and tempo of the game as the hosts were just too much for the literally outmanned Harding team. The Presidents brought just 11 players and thus had no substitutes available.

Wilton moved freely about the field, taking its time setting up each goal. Lewicki switched his players around to different positions and removed most of the seniors midway through the second half.

In addition to Hoag, Wilton used Mike DeSantis and Corey Fechter in goal and the trio recorded a total of three saves.

That night the Warriors not only were celebrating the win, but it was also senior night for the Wilton team.

Notes: As part of the Senior Night festivities, Wilton honored its 12 senior players and their parents at halftime.