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11/18/2012 11:00 PMIt was the shock felt 'round the state. After playing an almost unblemished season-its only loss coming to Newtown in the regular season-the Shoreline Conference champion and top-seeded Warriors' boys' soccer team made an early exit from the Class S State Tournament, victims to a hungry, revenge-seeking 9th-seeded Old Saybrook squad, which came back from a 3-0 halftime deficit to score three goals and then the game-winner in overtime to put the Rams in the semifinals with a 4-3 victory.
"That was tough. But that's just sports. Losses are a part of it," said Coach Mick Fearon. "What a group of kids, though. A great group of guys, a great team."
Having beaten the Rams three previous occasions this fall-one of which was in the Shoreline Conference semifinal-Valley knew it had its work cut out, but the Warriors leaped out to a 3-0 lead in the first 40 minutes. Jack Simoneau scored the first goal in the 36th minute off of a Jonathan Luster assist. After Old Saybrook's goalkeeper Nick DuBord slid past Luster's pass, Simoneau was in perfect position to sneak in a goal past a helpless defender. One minute later, Simoneau delivered a solid cross chip shot with enough height to travel over Old Saybrook's defense and enough power for Kyle Peterson to score on a header.
The Warriors, who had previously beaten Bolton 6-1 in the second round, could do no wrong in the first half, yet the Rams had a great opportunity to score on a breakaway. However, Jeff Nagy booted it wide right and Valley keeper Chris Polo made a skillful save, snagging a laser from the corner before it caused any trouble, preserving a first-half shutout.
The last goal of the half was scored in an impressive sequence. Senior Ryan Pomroy saved the ball from going out of bounds just past midfield and found an open area to work in. He then delivered what turned out to be an assist to Peterson, who was in an ideal position in the middle of the Saybrook defense. Peterson sent a ground cross to Luster's right foot, who in turn drove a strong shot past DuBord for Valley's third score, giving the Warriors a 3-0 advantage at the half.
The second half was incomparable to the first. In a span of about 15 minutes, Old Saybrook was able to tie the game with three goals after some relentless offense. The first came on a score from Nathan Corrado on a pass from Dan Murphy, leading to a one-touch straight into the upper 90. The second score was on a long shot from Nagy, who received a pass near the left side of the field, set himself, and unleashed a line drive past Polo into the side netting. Nagy scored again soon after, angling a chip shot over Polo and tying the game.
"Saybrook didn't change their game plan," said senior Ryan Pomroy. "They simply outplayed us in the second half. We broke down and they took advantage. It hurts knowing that high school soccer is officially over."
The shock was visible in the Valley players. The Warriors settled down defensively and Polo made two important saves with under 20 minutes to play, but the team looked desperate on offense. Saybrook's rush forced the Warriors out of their methodical game plan and choice ball movement was sacrificed for long passes and going for the big play.
With the score knotted at 3 at the end of regulation, overtime began and the Warriors were aggressive, but couldn't seem to string together the right combination of long leads and short set-ups. On a free kick awarded to Old Saybrook after a physical play, Zach Sciniscalco scored the winning goal from about 50 yards out with three minutes left in the second overtime, sending the Rams to the semifinal round.
The Valley players seemed almost inconsolable after the game and, in a show of good sportsmanship, the Old Saybrook team came over to a few boys still in disbelief on the field to congratulate them on a quality season and a hard-fought game.
While it may not seem like Valley was able to achieve its ultimate goal over the past four seasons, this is because of its soaring expectations. Two Shoreline championships and state championship appearances are achievements no other team in the Shoreline has come close to accomplishing. Valley must tip its caps to Old Saybrook, which pulled off a stunning victory with an incredible second-half performance. The Warriors had always been wary of Saybrook through the season and this game showed how dangerous they can be.
"The last four soccer seasons have been the highlight of my high school career," said Pomroy. "I have been fortunate to play alongside the best teammates anyone could ask for. It truly was a special team, led by the best high school soccer coach in the state. No one deserves a state championship more than Mick Fearon. I'm just disappointed we weren't able to give Mick the championship he earned."