The North Haven Heat, North Haven Soccer Club's (NHSC) U13 girls’ team, recently clinched their second-straight US Youth Soccer Connecticut Cup title with an impressive 3-1 victory, highlighted by a hat trick by Reyna Wambolt. This win marks a historic milestone within the NHSC, as they became the first team in the club’s 53-year history to win multiple Connecticut Cups. The team first claimed victory in the U12 division last spring and defended its title this fall in U13.

Over the past seven weeks, the North Haven Heat defeated Fairfield, West Hartford, Simsbury, New Fairfield, and Stonington, clinching the U13 Connecticut Cup title with a remarkable 19-2 goal differential. The Heat were anchored by keeper Aubrey Unger and a very strong back line that consistently kept the opponents at bay, while allowing only two goals in their five games. The team’s stellar performance has earned it an invitation to the US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup regional tournament in Philadelphia next June.

“I am so very proud of the girls and their commitment to working hard, having fun, and giving it everything they have every time they step on the pitch,” said Head Coach and NHSC President Chris Gaetano. “Coaching them over the past five years, with my son as an assistant, has been incredibly rewarding. They support and push each other, and they never back down from a challenge. While we’ve been successful, we still have work to do as a team and as individuals. I'd also like to thank the girls' wonderful parents for being so supportive and committed to North Haven Heat. Lastly, a special thank you to Haven Hot Chicken for sponsoring the team the past two years.”

Alongside its Connecticut Cup victory, the team also triumphed in the South Central District (SCD) U14 League this fall, showcasing the girls’ dedication to excellence on the pitch.