Viewfinder: Hall vs. Conard Boys Soccer Rematch

After multiple postponements and a 10-day layoff due to the lingering effects of the recent autumn snowstorm, the boys soccer teams from Hall and Conard finally met for the last game of the regular season. It was the second meeting of the teams this season, as Conard looked to avenge their earlier 2-1 loss against Hall.

Players on both teams sported new hairstyles – many with variations of mohawks – an annual tradition of team cameraderie performed in honor of the end-of-season rematch.

Despite Hall's much stronger 12-2-1 record, Conard (7-4-4), was not going to let the past be a factor. It only took 1:58 for Conard to show that they came to win, as junior midfielder Tomas Miranda scored to give his team an early 1-0 lead.

With seedings in the post-season tounament on the horizon, Hall knew that the game meant more to them than just cross-town bragging rights. At the 10:56 mark, Hall senior forward Zachary Carreira found the back of the net to even the score at 1-1.

Not willing to let Hall back into the game, Conard's offense continued to apply pressure and was able to capitalize on a Hall miscue at 16:28 to regain the lead. With continued offensive efforts and sound net-minding by freshman goalkeeper Neil Droney, Conard was able to hold onto the 2-1 lead through the remaining minutes of the first half.

Going into the second half, both teams were aware of the importance of the next goal of the game. After just over 25 minutes of play, Hall's co-captain Brandon Thompson scored, evening the score and setting the tone for the remainder of the game.

With repeated scoring threats, the Warriors made sure that the Chieftains saw little time in their own offensive end. With 10:33 remaining in the contest, and the sun slowly setting on the horizon, the Warriors found themselves with a valuable corner kick. In a matter of seconds, it was Hall senior co-captain Chibuikem Uche who was able to get his head on the ball for the game-winning goal.

At the end of the game, Hall Head Coach Zeke Seguro was quick to recognize the magnitude of the cross-town rivalry, stating, "No matter what the records are, when we play Conard it's always a very competitive game."

With the win, Hall finishes the regular season with a record of 13-2-1 and will head into tournament play later this week. The Warriors will also be awaiting the outcome of the Farmington/Simsbury game this week. A win or tie by Farmington would give Hall the outright CCC-West division title.

Conard, at 7-5-4, will also head into postseason play.