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10/02/2016 12:00 AMWith a pair of victories last week, the Old Saybrook boys’ soccer team remained undefeated, put itself in prime position to play in the Class S State Tournament, and gave Head Coach Sam Barnes his 200th career win with the program. Barnes accomplished this milestone when his Rams prevailed 4-0 at Hale-Ray on Sept. 29.
“Currently in my 21st year as head coach, my overall record is now 200-134-42. It’s a milestone not many coaches achieve,” Coach Barnes said. “It’s quite an accomplishment and I like that I continue to bring out the best in every player.”
Justin Phillips opened the Rams’ scoring versus Hale-Ray on an assist from Austin Hilger at the 5:50 mark. After that, Ashton Reina scored three goals in a row to net himself a hat trick. Reina’s goals came at 18:28, 33:36, and 41:15. Phillips and Karg each helped him out with an assist in the 4-0 victory.
“We continue to improve every game,” Barnes said. “Justin Phillips started off the scoring early with a header from a corner kick delivered by Austin Hilger and then returning All-State player Ashton Reina turned up the heat with a hat trick.”
Old Saybrook dominated play and outshot Hale-Ray by a 25-to-5 count. Jonah Nucci made three saves to solidify his sixth shutout of the season.
“We are showing dominance in the Shoreline Conference and continue to improve our skills and confidence,” Barnes said. “With our great coaching staff and over 50 players on the squad this year, we will continue to work together as a team to be the best we can be. With more than half of the season left, we’re looking to continue our success and keep working hard to improve our record to win as a team.”
To date, the Rams are the only unbeaten team remaining in the Shoreline Conference, as well as Class S, with their 6-0-1 record.
“We should be clinched [for states], but this year is a little different where rather than having a .400 record, they’re just taking the top 32 teams, so it’ll depend how everyone does,” said Barnes. “We’re not looking at it that way. We’re just looking to do as well as we can.”
Prior to the Hale-Ray victory, Old Saybrook topped Haddam-Killingworth 3-0 on Sept. 26. The Rams controlled possession in the game, firing 25 shots on goal to HK’s four. Ashton Reina scored at 2:52 to put Old Saybrook in the driver’s seat. Later in the first half, Saby Gallitto found the back of the net at 35:29 after coming in off the bench. He rocketed a shot off of HK goalie Jack Spooner’s fingertips that squirted by for the goal. Early in the second half, Anthony Karg scored at the 65:42 mark to extend the lead to 3-0.
“We came prepared and ready to play today. Scoring in just over two minutes into the game, Ashton Reina’s goal took Haddam-Killingworth by surprise,” Barnes said. “Old Saybrook controlled the midfield after that and was able to fire at will.”
Nucci needed to make two saves in net for the shutout as the Old Saybrook defense held strong throughout, led by captain Ben VanVliet.
“Haddam-Killingworth worked hard and never gave up, but was unable to penetrate our commanding defense,” Barnes said. “HK did give our defense pressure until the final whistle, but was unable to convert any effort to score. Captain Ben VanVliet held his defense together and played with confidence and tenacity. Despite Haddam-Killingworth’s best efforts, we held onto our fifth shutout for a commanding win.”