Hall Breaks Lengthy Drought With Boys Soccer Championship

NEW BRITAIN, CT — On a cold November night under the lights at Veterans Stadium in New Britain, the Warriors of Hall High School reigned supreme with a 3-1 victory over Greenwich in the Class LL boys soccer championship match.

Hall saw its season fall one goal short in last year’s title game with Glastonbury, and was determined to not let that be the case this year. After victories over E.O. Smith, Cheshire, Trumbull and Naugatuck, the Warriors completed their season of redemption.

In a heavily offensive showing, Hall dominated the pace in the early minutes. After a strong start with a few dangerous opportunities, a shot ringing off the post is all that transpired. Hall continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, with Greenwich only able to muster a few chances.

Seven minutes into the contest, Hall connected for a goal off the foot of Conlan Wilson, with an assist from Drew Seguro. The Warriors continued to control much of the half until Greenwich answered 22 minutes later courtesy of Farid Ghaliya, with an assist from Ryan Smith. With momentum on their side, the Cardinals continued to keep pressure on, with back and forth play ensuing for the remainder of the half.

Greenwich quickly jumped out of the gate after intermission, with a start much like Hall had in the opening half, with numerous opportunities. Warriors goalkeeper Kalsner Kershen was able to weather the storm, keeping the Cardinals off the board as Hall created more opportunities for themselves as the half wore on.

Back and forth action was the theme of the second half, with multiple opportunities for each side until Hall grabbed momentum and dominated. Finally cashing in to break the stalemate was Wilson, off a rebound from a shot by Evan Jones in the 62nd minute. Hall cashed in again just four minutes later in the 66th minute, with Wilson completing his hat trick by finding the back of the net off a great headed pass from Tobias Ruffo.

Greenwich goaltender Padraig Colligan did all that he could, making a few crucial stops to help give the Cardinals a chance, but ultimately Hall was too dominant in the final stretch.

The Warriors won the state title for the ninth time in school history, but first since 1980.

Story reported by Zach Gosselin