This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
11/07/2021 11:00 PMWhen the Morgan and Old Saybrook boys’ soccer teams squared off at Portland High School on Nov. 5, it was truly a battle of the two top squads in the Shoreline Conference. Morgan came into the Shoreline Conference final with 13 victories and was on a six-game unbeaten streak, while Old Saybrook entered the contest with 15 wins and an undefeated record for the season.
In the end, 80 minutes of regulation and a pair of 15-minute overtime periods weren’t enough to settle the score between the Rams and Huskies. The two teams walked off the field as co-champions of the Shoreline Conference after playing to a 1-1 draw in title game of the league tournament.
Old Saybrook, which has an overall record of 15-0-2, will open play in the Class S State Tournament this week. The Huskies are competing in the Class M State Tournament. Head Coach Ross Demay’s squad moved to 13-2-4 on the year after tying the Rams in the conference final.
“I thought we really dominated the first half. We generated a lot of chances, but we couldn’t find the back of the net,” Demay said. “I think Old Saybrook had spurts where they were really effective against us. The game could have went either way. I’m just thrilled that we ended as champions.”
Morgan and Old Saybrook played scoreless soccer through the first half despite an onslaught of shots on target. The Huskies got on the board when junior Erik Barrera scored on a pass from senior Aiden Madura in the 73rd minute. Three minutes later, Old Saybrook sophomore Kevin DeCapua evened the score for the Rams by putting home a ball that lingered in the box to make it a 1-1 game. That stood up as the final score as neither team was able to net another goal the rest of the way.
Old Saybrook senior goalie Ryan Slisz made 13 saves in the game. Morgan’s senior keeper Bailey Goss stopped 13 shots to get help the Huskies get the tie and a piece of the Shoreline crown.
This marks Morgan’s fourth Shoreline Conference championship in the last five seasons. Two years ago, the Huskies and Rams shared the title after battling to a 2-2 tie in the title game. Morgan was unable to compete in last year’s Shoreline Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The only thing that has kept us out of the finals is COVID. That makes me really proud of the work that we’ve accomplished as a team over these last five years,” said Demay. “We’ve built a solid foundation, and I’m excited to see what the State Tournament holds for us.”
Old Saybrook had advanced to the Shoreline final by earning a 3-0 home victory versus No. 4 seed Portland in the semifinals on Nov. 2. Morgan claimed a 3-2 win against No. 6 East Hampton in the quarterfinals on Oct. 31, followed by a 5-1 victory versus No. 2 Valley Regional in the semis on Nov. 2—both at home.
Coach Demay credited his two captains, senior Tyler Mucha and junior Sebastian Kadlof, for keeping the team balanced and composed throughout the season. Mucha plays center back, while Kadlof typically suits up at the center defensive midfield position.
“Tyler is quick, clean, and aggressive. He’s great with both feet, always has constructive feedback for his teammates, and they all respect that about him,” Demay said. “Seby has one of the highest soccer IQs I’ve had the privilege to coach. He knows where to be on both sides of the ball and is able to consistently create his own opportunities. They have both been so vital in our success this season.”
Old Saybrook’s captains are seniors Nick Scalzo and Nick Rothman, along with juniors Cam DeAngelo and Bradley Kulmann. The Rams’ head coach is Steve Waters.
Old Saybrook is the No. 2 seed in the Class S State Tournament and has a bye through the first round. The Rams are hosting the winner of No. 15 Portland and No. 18 Thomaston in the second round on Thursday, Nov. 11. Old Saybrook won Class S state titles in 2018 and 2019, earning a 2-1 win versus Morgan in the final in 2018.
Morgan is the No. 10 seed in the Class M State Tournament. The Huskies hosted No. 23 Wolcott for a first-round game on Nov. 9 (after press time) and, with a win, would face the winner of No. 7 Barlow and No. 26 Weaver in the second round on Nov. 11. Morgan last won a state championship in 2017 by claiming the Class S title after defeating Old Saybrook in penalty kicks during the semifinals.
“If we want to win the Class M Tournament, we’re going to have to get through the top three teams in the tournament,” said Coach Demay. “We will likely have to play No. 2 Suffield in the quarterfinals if we advance that far, then likely No. 3 Stonington in the semifinals. It’s going to be a real challenge, but I know the guys are up to the task.”