Late Game Heroics Send PHS Boy's Soccer to State Finals

It took a sense of urgency, a quickly waning clock, and a looming end to several high school careers – but the Pomperaug Boy’s Soccer team dug deep to muster just enough to get past a very formidable opponent Saturday and earn the program’s first birth in a state championship game in school history.

PHS beat Guilford 2-1 Saturday at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury on a last second score and advanced to the finals of the Class ‘LL’ state championship game next week.

The Panthers erased a late game deficit, notching two goals, the equalizer that came with seven minutes remaining, and a game winner that came with just 37 seconds left in the match for the win.

After an evenly played and scoreless first half Pomperaug came out of the break somewhat flat and gave up several scoring opportunities. Guilford was able to capitalize on one of them, a rocket of a shot from 30 yards out that beat PHS goalkeeper Zachary Goodridge near post and gave the Indians a 1-0 lead five minutes into the second half.

The back and forth match remained even until the 70 minute mark. In the last ten minutes Pomperaug unleashed a barrage of shots on goal, two of them found the back of the net. The Panthers got on the board with seven minutes left off a set piece goal that was knocked around the box and ended up behind Guilford goalie Nate Kuester.

Now all tied up, the Panthers kept the pressure on the Guilford defense constantly sending balls into the Indian’s 18-yard box.

And then the magic happened.

With 37 seconds left on the clock Pomperaug’s Nick Lasewicz received the ball 25 yards out and deposited a beautiful strike into the top corner of the goal past an outstretched Kuester for the lead and the win.

The goal moved the Panthers into the finals match to be played either Friday, November 25 or Saturday, December 26 at a time and place to be determined.

PHS will face off against #7 Trumbull (15-1-4) who beat #3 Norwalk 3-1 in their semifinal match. Trumbull also beat New Milford, Simsbury and Glastonbury on their way to the championship game.