Locals win Soccer Gold in Nutmeg State Games

The CCJ Hurricanes U14 girls soccer team coached by Matt Merceir and assisted by Tom Salimeno and Mary Ann Santacroce took home the gold medal in the Nutmeg State Games.

The team consisted of the following: Megyn Asselin - Ashford; Alessandra Santacroce - Burlington; Alyssa Dess - Bristol; Taylor Budney, Michaela Dehm, Lisa Grieco, Michelle Grieco, Samantha Lynes, Grace McCann, Sophia Morell, Olivia Norton, Kelli Salimeno, Allison Souza - Berlin; Lauren and Taylor LeBel – Harwinton, Clarire Hurtado – Newington.

Starting off the tournament was a game that was a testament to the purism of sportsmanship. The Hurricanes only had nine players at the start of the game, and out of a sign of sportsmanship, Ash Creek FC played “man-down” until the Hurricanes could field a full squad. After two scoreless halves, Ash Creek came out on top in penalty kicks, winning 5-4 for a 1-0 final score.

The Hurricanes rebounded and won their next two games by scores of 6-1 and 5-0 to reach the gold medal game and a rematch with Ash Creek. In a complete team effort, the Hurricanes shined in the final winning the match 3-1 on goals by Allesandra Santacroce and two from Sophia Morrell.