Ellington tops Jonathan Law in PKs, advance to Class M semifinals - Journal Inquirer
Ellington High boys soccer coach Jon Bassett knows how stressful a penalty kick shootout can be on a player.
He experienced it as a sophomore when the Knights were eliminated from the 2011 Class M tournament in that very fashion.
During Ellington’s Class M quarterfinal game with Jonathan Law Saturday, Bassett experienced that stress from a coaching perspective for the first time.
"It was different because putting those kids in a tough spot like that, it's not something we want,” Bassett said. “But kudos to them. I told them after the game 'you guys stepped up and acted like you had been there millions of times before.’”
JJ Takach’s save gave the Knights momentum, Ryan Dieterle’s goal gave them the advantage and Ryan Sardinha’s goal clinched the 12th-seeded Knights a 2-1 (5-4 in penalty kicks) win over the fourth-seeded Lawmen in Milford.
Ellington (13-4-2) has now reached at least the semifinals each season since 2016.
"It's a testament to the kids and the work that they put in during the offseason," Bassett said. "I mean it's the fact that those kids want to get better and they continue to get better.”
The Knights will play No. 8 Ledyard Wednesday at Xavier High in Middletown. The Colonels (17-4-0) topped No. 1 Nonnewaug 2-1 Saturday.
Ellington and Ledyard are no strangers to each other. The Knights beat the Colonels 3-0 in the 2019 Class M semifinals.
“They have big backs, they're solid,” Bassett said. “They know how to play soccer. So, it will be a good test for us and we're looking forward to it."
The Lawmen converted their first three kicks in the penalty shootout Saturday. But Ellington’s Ethan Mallett, Kevin Desrocher and Owen Hoffman responded each time to make it 3-3 heading into the fourth round.
Takach stopped Jonathan Law’s shot to give his team the momentum. The senior had six saves on the day.
Dieterle then scored to give his team a 4-3 edge. Jonathan Law tied it up on its next kick, but Sardinha gave the Knights win on the ensuing kick.
"It was just a sense of relief,” Bassett said. “I can definitely tell you that I don't like penalty kicks as a coach."
Ellington jumped in front 22 minutes into the game. Desrocher sent a free kick into the penalty area, and Eric Thibert was there to put it home. But the Lawmen responded seven minutes later when Lex Edwards converted a penalty kick.
SUFFIELD 1, JOEL BARLOW 0. In Suffield, Timmy Tkacz’s goal in the final minute of play lifted the second-seeded Wildcats over the seventh-seeded Falcons in a Class M quarterfinal game Saturday.
The win gives Suffield (18-1-0) its first semifinals berth since 2017. It will play No. 3 and reigning Class M champ Stonington Wednesday at West Haven High.
Following 79 minutes of scoreless soccer, Suffield’s offense went to work. The Wildcats earned a corner kick, and junior Nick Van Cott took it.
He sent a short pass to Ryan Sunshine, and the sophomore sent a cross into the penalty area. Tkacz got by his defender and headed the ball past a leaping goalie Will Stewart with 26.5 seconds left on the clock.
Sophomore goalie Craig Gnatek recorded his third shutout of the postseason. He finished with seven saves. Stewart stopped eight shots for Joel Barlow, which finishes 15-3-3.
GRISWOLD 2, EAST CATHOLIC 0. Aiden Christie and Jacob Blanchard both scored as the fourth-seeded Wolverines topped No. 21 East Catholic in the quarterfinals Saturday at Fitch High in Groton.
Saturday marked the Eagles’ first quarterfinals appearance since 2007. They finish the season 8-6-5. Up next for Griswold (16-3-1) is a date with No. 8 Canton in the semifinals Thursday.
Christie, a senior, put the hosts up six minutes into the game. Classmate Blanchard added an insurance goal seven minutes later.
East Catholic nearly cut its deficit to one midway through the second half, but Trent Sargent’s shot hit off the crossbar.
Goalie AJ Bushnell played well in his final game with the Eagles.
Girls Class S
COGINCHAUG 2, COVENTRY 1 (OT). In Durham, Katie Farr’s goal early in the first overtime was the difference as the 12th-seeded Blue Devils topped No. 20 Coventry in the quarterfinals Saturday.
The Patriots, who were seeking their first semifinals appearance since 2013, finish the season 9-7-2. Meanwhile, Coginchaug (12-4-2) plays No. 24 Northwest Catholic in the semifinals Tuesday.
Coventry was down one late in regulation when it caught a break. The Blue Devils were called for a hand ball, giving the Patriots a penalty kick. Senior Natalie Neal buried the kick to tie the game with 4:44 left in regulation.
But Farr and Coginchaug rallied in the first overtime. The junior found the back of the net 1:45 into the period.
Saturday was Coventry’s third overtime game in as many tournament games. It topped Portland 2-1 (7-5 in penalty kicks) in the first round and Windham Tech 3-1 in the second round.
Amy Prior made three saves for Coventry Saturday. Teammates Kaitlyn Corrigan, Lindsey Harrington and Avery Cour all played well in the midfield.
Jenna DePonte got Coginchaug on the board with 18:35 left in the first half. Teammate Emma Samperi made two saves in the win.
source: https://www.journalinquirer.com/sports/high_school/ellington-tops-jonathan-law-in-pks-advance-to-class-m-semifinals/article_a8cce30a-45d2-11ec-a07a-b3502743c593.html
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