The Foran High School’s boys soccer team is playing Notre Dame West Haven, today, September 15th at 3:30, on their home turf looking to improve their record to 1-1.
Senior captain Gianna Troia and junior captains Luke Hackett and Tye Haley, all played last year and lost to the Notre Dame Green Knights, 3-0. They are looking to avenge this previous loss with the help of their Coach Rick Distefano, at home.
Foran’s first game was played against West Haven High School, and the result was not what players wanted. Starting off on the wrong foot and losing to the Blue Devils has just turned to motivation and fuel for the Lions.
“Unfortunate loss against West Haven. We do our best every game and expect a good outcome.” says John Azpiri-Sudusky, a junior that plays center back.
Sophomore, Pacey Larka, plays left wing, and his in game tactics consist of playing hard, playing intense, and keeping possession.
“Last year doesn’t define us, we’re a new team and we’ve had time to improve.”
This mindset is a huge factor that will affect how the boys play today; the team is not stuck in the past or worried about a repeat of years prior, instead they are only looking forward.
Their coach emphasizes the fact he wants the boys to win and believes in them, and the boys carry this attitude with them. According to Troia, Coach Distefano is a great model of faith and self esteem for the team. They are confident that they will improve their record today.
Their senior captain Troia says, “[We] do our best to win a bunch of games. [There’s] great coaching, they are always there helping us with everything and keeping us in line.”
There is a clear common theme for all the boys who are on the team, they are hungry to win. Confidence is also prominent throughout all the boys, which will aid them as they play.
The Lions having trust in themselves may be the key for a great season and achieving the team goals. The goals for the soccer team overall is making states and SCCs.
Larka doesn’t believe this task will be easily accomplished, and says the team needs to really focus to make it happen. In order to pave the way for playing teams like Xavier and Hamden, the Lions need the win against NDWH today.
Distefano in his 19 year of coaching believes in his players. “ We have a talented group of boys that will be challenged by an extremely tough schedule. We like to play a possession brand of soccer and hope to have a lot of time on the ball. I look forward to seeing how this group can stand up to the challenge.”
