Each week, GOOD Morning Wilton will run news of weekend results and scores from Wilton Youth sports teams. Please send all stories and updates, along with a photo to editor@goodmorningwilton.com by noon on Monday of each week. Stories received after the deadline may not be included. Results write-ups will be grouped by sport and published in the order they are received.
Wilton Soccer
Wilton Soccer Association Teams Chase Titles, 8th Grade Girls Reunite for Cup Run
It is well known in soccer circles and beyond that arguably one of the world’s most accomplished soccer players, Kristine Lilly, grew up right here in Wilton. Now, every important soccer match in town is played at the newly refreshed turf stadium named for the soccer legend. One of those matches took place last weekend when Wilton Soccer Association’s (WSA) 8th grade girls Blue team defeated Suffield 2-1 in an exciting State Cup semifinal.
The story of this 8th grade girls’ class of soccer players began like most every class in town, in the youth programs offered by the WSA. But as seasons and years went by, the players found themselves increasingly separated in soccer by opportunities to play on other teams and other circumstances that naturally arise as kids grow. So last spring they made a collective decision to try to reunite in their final year before high school. Reasons cited for their return were diverse and included practical benefits such as practices right after and close to school and local weekend games, both of which allowed for additional flexibility for school work and other activities and interests beyond soccer. Beyond the practical however, the most important reason to the girls centered on their desire to play with their classmates and friends again, as one team, against local rivals, and for something meaningful to them–a possible state title run for Wilton.
The movement began when an unprecedented 45 rising 8th grade girls came out for WSA’s annual tryouts last spring. In the year prior, this same age group saw only about 18 girls. So where did they all come from?
They came from all areas. Those that played for the WSA team last year returned, some that played for other soccer programs came back, some others returned to the sport after a few seasons on hiatus and a few even tried out for the first time. All were welcomed and the WSA Board of Directors decided to create two full teams for the age group.
The two teams were assigned coach Thomas Connolly, a fantastic coach from Soccer Extreme with extensive “football” pedigree. Connolly lives right here in Wilton with his wife and two young children, who are often on the sidelines of practices and games cheering for the girls. Coach Connolly has encouraged personal growth, soccer development and a team-first mantra above all else. The teams practice at back-to-back times, but also and often together, helping each team to improve and personal relationships across both teams to strengthen.
The Blue team amassed an impressive 13-5 record this season. After a first round bye, they won three state tournament games, scoring 12 goals and giving up only two. The team unfortunately fell to a very strong Wethersfield squad in a hard fought state title game. They have a league championship to play for still. While the state title would have been fun to bring home, all agree that the season’s journey has been special with friendships solidified and memories forged to last lifetime.
The 8th grade girls White team, the other group of girls in this story, have also had a fun season. The White team was in the league playoff hunt up until the final weekend and the team won its first state tournament game in convincing fashion before yielding to eventual quarterfinalist and state power, Glastonbury. Many girls from both of these teams will continue their soccer journey into Wilton High School next year, foreshadowing good times ahead for the girls’ soccer program.
A number of other WSA teams also captured a little of this hometown magic this fall. Wilton’s 2007 girls team reached the state semifinal match last weekend before a tough loss to Wallingford ended their run. The 2008 girls and 2004/5 boys teams both made the quarterfinals in their respective brackets before bowing out in close games. Many other teams have league playoff games still upcoming. The stories for these and all WSA teams are similar–great Wilton friends, coming together to form great Wilton teams, supported by great Wilton families. Go Warriors!
For information on Wilton Soccer Association programs or teams, visit the league website.
Girls U10 White Defeats Danbury, 2-0
The Wilton Gurls U10 White held Danbury’s offense in check throughout the whole game while Danbury applied pressure. Wilton displayed great goaltending from Katie Mesh in the first half and from Mia Petrova in the second half. Wilton’s defense featured Catlin Tsai, Gabby Torres as well as Naomi Cronley and Abby Philippone. Mid-game, Taryn Czick scored a rocket shot to lead Wilton to 1-0 lead. Abby Savage achieved great passing skills. Offensive pressure was consistently applied by Isla Dzik, Katie Cosentino and Maddy Pendergast throughout the game. In the second half Harper Crawford broke away from the pack to score Wilton’s final goal, for a 2-0 win.
Wilton U10 Boys Blue Falls to Fairfield Red 2, 1-2
The Wilton U10 Boys Blue team and Coach Ritz took on Fairfield U10 Boys Red 2 at Merwin Meadows on Saturday afternoon. Wilton started strong with crisp passing and solid overall presence, but Fairfield soon gained momentum, forcing the first half netminder, Gavin Toohill, to make many key saves. Caio Thakur cleared the ball from the defensive zone while Giacomo DePaola adeptly controlled the ball and moved it forward to his teammates. Joshua Comiskey showed his tenacity throughout the game, fighting to win one-on-one battles. After a solid defensive effort from Wilton and Toohill, Fairfield notched a goal before the half.
Mario Coppola served as goaltender in the second half, playing aggressively in the box, making a miraculous stop on a point blank shot and showing off his arm when passing out to his teammates. Sean Kaliski and Hugo Dall helped support Coppola in the defensive zone, with Dall demonstrating his awareness by turning the ball smoothly and executing under pressure, while Kaliski’s quickness and foot work were never in doubt. Wilton’s offense began to turn up the pressure, as Gavin Levenherz fired off multiple shots on net while tremendous hustle from Philip Jeschke and Jake Albanese forced a corner that resulted in Jeschke drilling the ball in front of the goal and Albanese finding the back of the net. Wilton remained the aggressor, as DePaola broke up two consecutive goal kicks and created offensive opportunities. Unlucky for the boys as Fairfield netted the clincher with time winding down and Wilton fell 1-2.
Girls 2009 Blue Wins Over Darien, 2-1
Wilton’s 2009 Blue girls visited Darien on Sunday. The team came out strong against a tough opponent. The team showed quick offensive play by Alexandra Jankowski, Victoria Jankowski, Andie Langeland, Audrey Lepore, Casey O’Connor and Zoe Blum. The defensive effort was led by Ally Phelan, Sadie Sherman, Maddie Rayment, Grayson O’Donnell, Sophia Solomon and Gabby Ray. Wilton scored first in the game with a pass from Rayment to Alexandra Jankowski to make the score 1-0. Ray made multiple stops in goal. The first half ended with a pass by Sherman to Lepore who put it in the goal to make the score 2-0. The second half had Solomon in goal making blocks. Darien answered back with one goal, but Wilton’s defense held strong. The final score was 2-1 with a Wilton win.
Wilton 2010 (U9) Boys Gold Wraps Up Fall Season with Valiant Effort Against OGRCC Thunder
Wilton’s 2010 Boys Gold Team, led by Coach Xavier Cardona, finished the 2018 Fall Soccer Season with a loss to OGRCC Thunder on Sunday. However, the boys put forth a courageous effort and never quit until the final whistle. This never-give-up attitude was ever present throughout the fall season from all the boys.
During the first half, Alex Shiue faced heavy pressure in goal, but maintained poise with several great saves and defensive assistance from Kevin Garcia and Sean Unruh. On offense, Andrew DeMasi and Ben Cannavino demonstrated great passing while moving the ball downfield. During the second half, Evan Ash defended the goal with solid help from John Mannix on defense. Rohan Saini and Topher Jackson also put forth a solid offensive stance during the game. Wilton was able to put forth more offensive pressure in the second half but ultimately fell to OGRCC 0-6.
The spring soccer season went by so fast, but proved to be very valuable in terms of team camaraderie and learning of the game. A big thank you goes out to Coach Xavier, the team managers Vivian Lee-Shiue and Clarissa Cannavino, and to all the parents. See you in the spring!
Wilton 2010 (U9) Girls White Ends Season with Back-to-Back Ties
On Saturday, the Wilton 2010 Girls White U9 soccer team played a makeup game against Stamford FC U8/9. The game was hard fought and ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Mia Bayonne and Savannah Quick led the offense with two explosive goals. They were helped with some great passing by Ellie Satrazemis, Taylor Setterlund and Lilly Flatt. Avery Galligan kept the game close with great goaltending.
Then on Sunday, in the last game of the season, Wilton tied Darien Orange, 1-1. Sophie Duvall scored Wilton’s only goal of the game. She was helped on offense by Allison Massaua and Hannah Hall. Fantastic defensive plays by Samantha Von Loesser and Nora McGrath kept Darien on its heels all game. Ava Lafiosca made multiple great saves to keep the game at a draw.
Wilton U10 Boys Blue Succumbs to Fairfield USA Red 1, 0-6 in Season-Ending Game
In the first half, Gavin Levenherz, Hugo Dall, Jacob Albanese, Philip Jeschke and Gavin Toohill played with determination and grit, making some great tackles and shots on goal. However, Fairfield USA dominated possession overall, scoring four goals despite multiple saves by Wilton goalie Caio Thakur.
The Wilton boys turned it up and dominated possession in the second half. Goalie Mario Coppola held FUSA to two, and tremendous playmaking and defending by Giacomo De Paola, Joshua Comiskey, and Sean Kaliski shifted the tone of the game, and the boys continued playing hard until the final whistle.
A big thanks to Coach Ritesh Mistry and manager Russ Albanese, and congrats to the boys for a good season!
Wilton Youth Football
Wilton 7th Grade Blue Victorious Over Darien, 14-0, in “Battle of the Blues”
The second round of playoffs began on a beautiful fall day. Wilton started with the ball. They drove 50 yards in seven plays behind their crushing line, with blocks delivered by George Papakosmas, Dylan Long, Jack Williams, Liam Kiernan, and Ethan Gallo. The amazing blocking allowed Todd Woodring, Harry Polito and Jack Costello to each have 11-yard runs. Then a series of penalties stalled the drive, forcing Wilton’s first punt in two games.
Then it was the defense’s turn, with Nate Rath, Cole Stevenson and Carter Stephenson, as Wilton gave up only one yard in three plays, creating a quick three-and-out. Wilton’s offense came out in a different set, and marched down the field once again. Colin Gilmore, Brody Hess and Mike Carroll opened holes allowing for Polito to have two 10-yard runs. Darien’s defense showed up and forced a fumble, ending the drive. Wilton’s defense had two tackles for a loss and forced another three-and-out.
Wilton’s offense pounded Darien with big runs by Costello, Lorenzo Caratozzolo and Luke DiRocco, with Polito cashing in from eight yards out. Woodring’s extra point kick was good, putting the score at 7-0. Darien had one more three-and-out possession to end the half.
Darien opened with the ball, and another three-and-out. Wilton’s offense possessed the ball the entire rest of the third quarter, but ended with no points, after three costly penalties. Darien’s ball and the first play, Long executed the lethal “Kenny” blitz, recording a tackle for a loss. Wilton capitalized on Darien’s short punt and the short field with Woodring going untouched into the end zone and adding the extra point. The Darien offense notched their only first down on a penalty, but their good luck ended quickly with an interception, giving Wilton the ball and the playoff victory, winning 14-0. Wilton enjoys home field advantage and will face New Canaan Red this Saturday at the turf.
Wilton Warriors 4th Graders End Season with Semi-Final Loss to New Canaan
Riding a three game winning streak against tough teams, the Warriors marched into New Canaan on a blustery fall day to face the Rams in a do-or-die semifinal Playoff Game. The Warriors started on offense, and with solid runs from Nick Skillin and Colin Faherty, drove down the field. Then the offense switched it up by bringing in the Beast Package, notorious for punishing defensive lines with a vicious wedge, under center August Furman, accompanied by Mark Whitman, Mathew Fogarty, Jack Condon, Jaxon Lin, Cole Herbst, and Wyatt Hoffsatter on the line with Bly Christianson, Wyatt Kreter, and Liam Pierson in the backfield; Finn Snyder was lined up at wide out. Kreter recovered a crucial fumble to keep the Warriors drive alive. Finally the Warriors switched gears again with a spectacular 55-yard Skillin run to the 2-yard line, and Faherty punched it in for the score, Warriors 6, Rams zip.
The Rams’ next effort on offense was met by tough tackles from Brady Corry, Michael Lenz, Dylan Flanagan, Charlie Heffernan, and Michael Duarte, capped by a Denny Dustin pick! The Warriors’ next drive stalled. Despite solid defensive play from Smash Brothers Colton and Cody Korpan and Emmett Sommer the Rams tied the game at 6-6. The rest of the first half, and most of the second half turned into a stalemate. A Faherty pick stopped a Rams’ drive, and great play on defense by Henry Snow and Sommer on a pass play thwarted the Rams. The Rams did score again, and with a successful PAT, took the lead 6-14. Despite solid play on defense for the Warriors by Cooper Rekow, Trey Rivera, Snow, Heffernan, Lenz, Hoffstatter, and the Gang Tacklers to stop the Rams, there were zero ticks left for the Warriors.
While the boys were disappointed, they walked out of Dunning Stadium with their heads held high, poised to make a run next season!
5th Grade Warriors Progress in Playoffs, Dominating Darien Blue, 16-0
After the 5th Grade Warriors’ second unblemished regular season campaign in three years, the team continued to produce great results in the playoffs after a first round bye week. Without key contributors Emma VanHeyst, Ray Slough, and Curtis Jackson, everyone needed to step up in a winning effort of 16-0 against Darien Blue.
The first quarter started with defensive stops by both teams leading to two punts. The Warriors’ offensive machine was then afforded great field position by a strip by Charlie Calabrese which was followed by a 15 yard run. On the subsequent play, Kieran Wiseman ran in untouched for a TD that was made possible by a thunderous block by Craig O’Neill. After Mason Behar‘s point after, Wilton was up 8-0.
In the second quarter, Wilton’s stingy defense did not give up much yardage lead upfront by Max Totten, Josh Meltzer, Hunter Lishnoff, Evan Christianson, and Marco Chila. This included several big tackles in the backfield. Wilton threatened to take another one to the house just before half but fell a bit short.
In the third quarter, the offense got rolling again thanks to good blocking and pass protection by the offensive line lead by Grant Santosky, Cayden Stevens, Trevien Goldman, Totten, Lishnoff, Meltzer, and Christiansen. Calabrese connected on passes to tight ends Theo Satrazemis and Charlie Roy for first downs and Wiseman and O’Neill added nice runs. Wilton took a commanding 16-0 lead on a run by Wiseman followed by Behar’s point after.
Going into the fourth, Darien attempted to drive the ball to the end zone and despite several strong runs for large gains, the Wilton defense was able to shut them down led by its indomitable line backer core of Jake Padilla, Blake Ongley, O’Neill, and Calabrese and defensive backs Will Byrnes and Behar, who thwarted several pass attempts. With little time left on the clock, Patch Angerame came in as QB to lead the Warriors in their victory formation.
Wilton 6th Grade Blue Advances to Semifinals with Win Over Westport, 26-0
After enjoying a bye last weekend, Wilton 6th Grade Blue got its first playoff opportunity in a Saturday afternoon game at Fujitani Field against Westport. The Warriors’ offense got the ball moving with a great running game led by Jack Schwartz, Cael Dexter, Luke Ginsburg, Ray Ferranti, Will Cristini, Luke Perna, Charlie Keller and Ryan Stocker. The offensive line continued to open up big running lanes, led by Maja Driscoll, Cole Galante, Jack Huntley, Ryan Luchetta, Liam McKiernan, Ryan Meenan, Jack Santosky, Cole Siegel, Henry Soojian, Jaxon Thomas and CJ Young. On their first possession, the Warriors drove down the field and Dexter punched it in on a QB sneak from the 1-yard line. On the next drive, it was Dexter again running it in for his second TD of the game, giving the Warriors a 12-0 lead at the half. The Warriors’ offense struck again in the third quarter, this time through the air on a pass from Liam Snyder to Ferranti for the third TD of the game. The final touchdown of the game came when Keller took the ball down to the one-yard line and looked like he would get stopped, until he executed a nifty spin move to gain that final yard for the Warrior touchdown. The defense came up big for Wilton all game long, with critical tackles for a loss by Siegel and Driscoll, a fumble recovery by Meenan, and an interception on the last play of the game by Ginsburg. The Warriors got the win, 26-0, and move on to the semifinals.
Wilton Softball
Wilton Softball hosted a fall softball tournament this past weekend for the Major League Fall Ball softball teams. Wilton’s Royal team won the tournament. Congratulations to the team: Kelly Beneventano, Lauren Davis, Anna Morello, Sarah Morris, Catherine O’Brien, Kate Rusin, Lauren Sanfilippo, Abby Seeberger, Mallory Tomasulo, Katherine Zareski and Lucie Prior, as well as manager Gerry Davis and coaches Katrina Rusin and Nick Prior (special mention to George Seeberger).
Wilton Y Gymnastics
“Flipping to New Frights”–Wilton YMCA Gymnastics Hosts Season Opening Meet with Halloween Theme
The first meet of the season can be scary, and the Flippin’ Fright Fest was no exception. Kicking off the competition year on Sunday, Oct. 28, Wilton hosted skeletons, superheros, cats, Minnie’s, multiple “Things”, and mermaids who all arrived to test new skills and routines amid giant bats, witches, and all things creepy.
Overall, the Wilton Y Gymnastics Team Levels 3, 5 and 8 took 1st place, and Levels 4 and 7 took 2nd place.
Level 3
For ages 8-9, Gabriella Martin was the beam champion with a 9.4, and won silver on bars. First time competitor Lauren Crisafulli placed 5th on vault.
For ages 10-11, Lilli Todd scored 9.2 to place 2nd on vault, was 2nd on floor (9.150), 5th on beam and finished 5th AA. Alyssa Duarte was the bars champion, placing 2nd on floor (9.150), 3rd on vault (9.0), 4th on beam, and taking home the 2nd AA trophy. Evy Theriault was 3rd on floor (9.1) and bars, 4th on vault, 5th on beam, and finished 3rd AA. Kyra Doran placed 3rd on beam, 4th on bars and floor, and 5th on vault and 4th AA. Andi Langeland placed 5th on bars.
For ages 12+, Abigail Schmidt was the AA champion, winning gold across all 4 events. Sasha Langholm placed 2nd AA, taking home silver on vault, bars, beam and floor.
Level 4
For ages 7-9, Tess D’Andraia was 5th AA, with 4th on floor and 5th on bars.
For ages 10-11, Mia Decore took home the gold on bars, placing 3rd on vault, 4th on beam and floor, and 4th AA. Rowan Morse won the silver medal on vault, and bronze on bars. Grace Jeanes placed 3rd on floor, 4th on vault and bars, and 5th on beam.
For ages 12+, Guinevere Quigg was the AA champion, placing 1st on beam, vault and floor, and 2nd on bars. Lia Carusone won silver on beam and vault, bronze on bars and floor, and took home the 2nd AA trophy. Isabella Cerra was crowned bars champion, placing 3rd on beam, 4th on floor and vault, and finishing 3rd AA. Alyssa Greenlaw earned 2nd on floor, 3rd on vault, 4th on beam and bars, and placed 4th AA.
Level 5
For ages 9-11, Taylor Archambeau took the gold on vault and bars, bronze on floor (9.050) and beam, and was the AA champion. Cailyn Cruickshank was the beam champion with a 9.5 for her beautiful routine, placed 2nd on floor (9.2), 3rd on vault, 4th on bars, and placed 3rd AA.
For ages 12-13, Ella Arghirescu was crowned beam champion with a 9.250, placed 2nd on vault, 3rd on floor, 5th on bars, and took home the trophy for 2nd AA. Jeni Von Bartheld placed 2nd on bars, 4th on floor, 5th on vault, and finished 3rd AA. Teagan Stengrim was 3rd on bars and vault, 5th on beam and placed 5th AA. Ella Mancuso took the title of bars champion with her strong performance, and placed 3rd on vault. Sofia Vitti earned silver for vault. Kaelyn Talisse took bronze on beam. Elizabeth Fahey was the vault champion and placed 5th on floor.
For ages 14+, Maddie Mosquera placed 1st on vault, 2nd on beam, bars and floor and finished 2nd AA.
Level 6
For ages 9-11, Alyssa Mariani was 1st AA, placing 1st on floor (9.050), beam, bars and vault.
Level 7
For ages 11-13, Sofia Blessing’s lovely new floor routine earned 1st place with 9.250, placed 3rd on vault, bars and beam, and took home the 3rd AA trophy. Ashley Umhoefer earned gold on vault (9.0), beam and bars, placed 2nd on floor, and took home her 1st AA trophy of the season. Alyssa Smeriglio placed 2nd on vault, bars and beam, 3rd on floor and took home the 2nd AA trophy.
For ages 14-15, Donna Stepnowsky’s upbeat floor routine earned gold, was 1st on vault, 3rd on bars and beam, and finished 2nd AA. Grace Condon won silver on floor, beam and bars, bronze on vault, and placed 3rd AA.
For ages 16+, Ava Walker earned bronze on beam, 4th on floor, bars, vault, and finished 4th AA.
Level 8
For ages 11-13, Mia Karlehag earned gold across all 4 events, including a 9.150 for her elegant floor routine, and took home the 1st AA place trophy.
For ages 14-15, Olivia Mannino finished 1st AA, winning gold across bars, beam, floor and vault.
For ages 16+, Emma Daugherty was the AA champion, taking home gold on floor, bars, beam and vault. Kate Ginsburg finished 2nd AA with silver on all 4 events.