Upset Loss Doesn't Upset Ledyard Soccer Senior Night

It was not the Senior Night that Ledyard coach Clive Prior nor Colonel seniors Bethany Holland, Taylor Johnson or Jillian McCarthy had envisioned. Fitch, one rung above the Eastern Connecticut Conference Large Division basement, surprised Ledyard, 1-0, Tuesday at Blonders Park to drop the Colonels to 7-4-1.

Fortunately, team members were able to quickly shake off the upset loss.

Unlike most teams, which honor seniors before the game, Ledyard and Prior, the Colonels' fourth-year coach, staged a post-game ceremony. The festivities included a presentation of roses, balloons, gifts and framed jerseys for Ledyard's three seniors. It also featured emotional tributes read by underclassmen.

The disappointment on the field did not take away at all from joy and tears of the Senior Night ceremony. One reason could be that the Colonels are in the midst of a girls' soccer renaissance. After several years of locking up the ECC Large last-place, Ledyard has qualified for two straight state tournaments – territory that the Colonels often visited in the '90s and first two years of the new millennium.

"Last year was the first time Ledyard made the states since 2001 and we advanced to the second round," Prior said. "I hope we can improve on that this year. The girls played with a lot of heart and determination, so I can't ask for much more."

Fitch (4-7-1) played tough against the quick and explosive Colonels, who have scored 33 goals led by a balanced attack of McCarthy, Holland and juniors Kaylyn Bruciati and Brittney Humphreys. The teams played to a 2-2 tie last month.

"The ECC Large has become a lot more competitive from top to bottom in the last two years," Prior said. "Fitch hasn't made the states yet and they came out determined. We knew it was going to be a tight game."

Two minutes into the second half, Fitch's Avery Clark directed a rolling kick from 16 yards out on the left side of the scoring box and just inside the right post. Ledyard didn't produce a serious scoring chance throughout the game against Fitch's tight defense, led by Amanda Clarke.

"Maybe there was a little confusion on who was marking who on that goal," Prior said. "It wasn't a great shot, but it found the right place. The first goal of a tight game is always key because it sets the tone."

Prior paid tribute to his three seniors for setting the tone of Ledyard's girls' soccer turnaround. His only regret was that all three missed opportunities to play together because of injuries. Johnson tore an ACL in her knee just two weeks before this season.

"Two years ago [athletic director] Pete Vincent called a meeting with the Ledyard girls coaches and asked 'How do we come up with an idea to make our girls programs better and how to we make our school pride better,' Prior said.

"As a result of that, we came up with a slogan last year 'the pride and passion.' Our three seniors embody that. They have set the bar at this school for girls soccer to bring it back to where it was 10 years ago," Prior said. "These three girls were the heart and soul to get us back in the states again. They will be missed."

And showing just three seniors on the roster means plenty of talent returns. "It bodes well for the future," Prior said.