This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
10/02/2016 12:00 AMThe North Branford boys’ soccer squad recorded its first victory of the season and also its first win with new Head Coach Brett Gagliardi when the Thunderbirds prevailed at Two Rivers, 3-0, on Sept. 28. North Branford also lost to Old Lyme and tied Coginchaug last week, giving the team a record of 1-4-3 at the midpoint of the season. The T-Birds won just one game for all of last year.
Last week started with a tough matchup against Old Lyme as North Branford was defeated 5-1 on Sept. 26. Senior Jimmy Augur scored the Thunderbirds’ lone goal in the loss.
Then on Sept. 28, North Branford traveled to Hartford and defeated non-conference opponent Two Rivers for its initial victory with Coach Gagliardi.
“I was thrilled,” said Gagliardi. “We came out a little passive in the first half, so I kind of laid into them and then they woke up in the second half. I was thrilled they put three in to get that first win since they only won once as a team last year. To tie last year’s record, I couldn’t be happier and the kids couldn’t be happier to know they’re improving and things are starting to turn around.”
North Branford’s two captains found the back of the net in the win as Zack Smola scored a goal and Gianni Lavorgna converted a penalty kick. Antonio Pavic also scored for the T-Birds. Paul Zumbo, who recorded six saves in net, and the rest of the defense solidified the shutout.
The very next day, North Branford took the field against Shoreline Conference foe Coginchaug and played the Blue Devils to a 2-2 tie. Pavic and Augur both scored for the T-Birds to keep the team’s offensive momentum going.
“To come back a day later and tie Coginchaug with a great performance, I was very proud of them,” Gagliardi said. “Finding the energy in back-to-back games, I was very pleased with the effort. Now that they have a taste, I can see a different enthusiasm and mindset in these boys. I think things are turning around, so we’re going to try to keep the momentum up as the week ahead comes to us.”
After North Branford was unable to score any goals in the first four games of the year, Gagliardi and his coaching staff made some adjustments with player positioning, and he believes that’s what’s led to the Thunderbirds’ seven goals in their last four games.
“Our seniors and captains are stepping up offensively and putting the ball in the back of the net. We had some trouble in the first four, but after talking with some assistants and the players, we changed around the lineup, mixing and matching some guys in different areas of the field. Now, after changing things up, we’re starting to his our stride,” Gagliardi said. “Looking at some of the abilities of my players, I’d say the first lineup we were going with wasn’t really capitalizing on their abilities to the maximum. By moving Gianni Lavorgna back in our lineup to center mid, he’s better suited to have space in front of him to attack from, rather than hanging up at the top like he was. Smola was playing more as a defensive mid, but now after moving him forward, he’s helping link up the defense and forwards, creating more scoring opportunities.”
With some more home games under the lights at Colafati Field on the horizon, Gagliardi believes his squad will come into these contests with more energy than he’s seen in the first half of the year.
“We’re looking ahead at our schedule and there is something to be said about playing at home, especially under the lights,” he said. “It’s a different atmosphere. They’re more amped up and getting jacked up throughout the school day since they’re looking forward to the game. It’s tough with some of the away games, taking the long bus ride after school, so we look forward to our home games.”
On the heels of his team’s recent victory and the tie, Coach Gagliardi said that he’s excited to get back on the pitch for the second half of the campaign.
“Momentum is on our side and we’re making strides. The kids are buying in and things are starting to turn for the program a little bit,” Gagliardi said. “Our goal this week is to go 3-0. We have Westbrook, Portland, and Two Rivers, two of which are home night games. Our goal is to go 3-0 and our goal is to still make the State Tournament. The fact that we can do that and, hopefully, on our home field get some wins, get the town excited—that’s our goal.”