Norwalk Girls Thunder U-11 Wins CT Soccer Cup

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1. Norwalk Thunder U-11 Wins CT Cup

In a culmination to an amazing season, the Norwalk Blue Thunder U-11 girls occer ream captured the Connecticut Cup championship on Sunday, racing past Bethel in a 3-0 victory.

Norwalk became the first girls team from the town ever to win the CT Cup.

The final was played in Farmington at Tunxis Meade Park in front of a raucous crowd with horns blazing and fans with hair colored blue to show support for the hometown girls.

The game started out quick for the Thunder with several scoring opportunities, but the Bethel goalkeeper made some strong saves to keep the Thunder off the board.

The Thunder finally broke though with what has been their trademark this season: unselfish movement of the ball, leading to a beautiful goal for a 1-0 Norwalk lead with 10 minutes remaining in the first half.  Norwalk added two goals in the second half. 

The Thunder's defense led by Chloe Ortolano, Olivia Leone and Lea Panagiotidis.  Mikayla Fosina posted the shutout in goal, keepingBethel off the scoreboard with a jumping save with five minutes remaining. 

Playing outstanding in midfield for Norwalk were Julia Sferlazza, Emily Denunzio, Jazmine Fred and Ashleigh Doyle.  Offensive standouts included  ierra Kitt, Peyton McNamara, Katie Goldsmith, Sofia Tarasidis, Tara Hufnagel and  Stephany Escalante.

After the victory, the Norwalk players celebrated at the SONO Brewhouse where they were surprised by a visit from Mayor Richard Moccia, who invited the team to City Hall in the near future. 

2. Norwalk boys soccer hosts Westhill in state tourney

The Norwalk boys soccer team looks to avoid a second straight second-round elimination from the Class LL state tournament when the third-seeded Bears host Westhill on Monday at 7 p.m.

Norwalk (14-2-2) will be facing its second straight FCIAC opponent after holding off 30th-ranked Stamford 2-1 in the first round on Friday.

Westhill (10-6-2), which was the FCIAC's hottest team down the stretch, reached the second round with a 3-0 win over No. 14 Bristol Central.

After starting 0-5, which included forfeiting three games for using an ineligible player, the 19th-seeded Vikings reeled off a 9-0-2 run to qualify for the FCIAC playoffs (losing to Darien in the quarterfinals).

During the regular season, Norwalk defeated Westhill 3-2 on Sept. 24.

The winner of Monday's contest will face either No. 6 Farmington or No. 11 Staples in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

3. Norwalk field hockey hosts New Canaan

Norwalk's third-seeded field hockey team also will be facing an FCIAC rival as the Bears take on No. 11 seed New Canaan in the quarterfinals of the Class LL state tournament on Monday (5 p.m.)

Norwalk will be looking to avenge a 1-0 loss to the Rams in the quarterfinals of the FCIAC playoffs two weeks ago.

The Bears (14-3-1-0) advanced in the state tournament with a 1-0 win over Fairfield Warde on Friday while New Canaan blanked No. 6 New Milford 2-0 in the first round.

The winner of Monday's contest gets either No. 2 Glastonbury or No. 10 Stamford in the semifinals on Wednesday.

FRIDAY'S RESULTS

Boys soccer

Norwalk 2, Stamford 1, Class LL, first round

Field hockey

Glastonbury 2, McMahon 0, Class L, first round

Norwalk 1, Fairfield Warde 0, Class L, first round

SATURDAY'S RESULTS

Football

Norwalk 30, Fairfield Ludlowe 14

Stamford 28, McMahon 20

MONDAY'S SCHEDULE

Boys soccer

Westhill at Norwalk, 7 p.m., Class LL, second round

Field hockey

New Canaan at Norwalk, 5 p.m., Class L, quarterfinals

STANDINGS

• Football

• Boys soccer

• Girls soccer

Field hockey

Girls volleyball