A slow and steady pace wins the race. Right now that is  the motto of the Woodland Boys Soccer Team. Things,  lets just say, did not start the way the team would have liked. A season-opening 1-5 loss at Ansonia became an early downer for the team. In the second game of the season at the Sacred Heart Hearts, struggles continued with a defeating 3-1 loss. Going into a game vs. Saint Paul’s, the team was very confident but was surprised with a shocking 3-1 loss. A huge match against Naugy, where Woodland was clearly the underdog, came out with a hard fought 2-1 loss. The latest match for the boys was a crushing 3-1 loss vs. Torrington, which was in the snow. Even with all of these losing efforts, the deficit has gone lower and lower each game, which is a sign of improvement and progress.

   There were  also good games for the team this year, with pretty trouble-free wins vs. Holy Cross and Wilby at home, then a huge 9-2 win at Derby. Just recently, vs. a bottom dweller in the division Wolcott, Woodland snuck out with a 3-1 win. Also, the team has a hard fought tie against Seymour, final score 2-2 , in which Woodland tied it up late in the second half,  to their resume. Upcoming big games vs. title contender Seymour once again and Ansonia will prove to be vital in the wins-losses column record this season. And they could also be a ticket to the NVL’s this season.

   New to the team, there are 9 incoming freshman including defensemen Nick Hebert and Mike Costa, Midfielders Vigan Pacuku and Steve Pec, and Keeper Pat Dietz. To go along with the freshman there are 11 sophomores including Forward Eric Dietz, Sweeper Adam Baz, and Midfielder Matt Moutinho. There are 5 players each for both juniors and seniors with Midfielders Tyler Carlos and Christian Pinho being  juniors , Forward Steve Vaz and Stopper Calvin Day, who are seniors.

   The latest game to take place was on October 19th at Home vs. Immaculate Conception. The game at first looked like a huge mismatch, Woodland being the favorite, but Immaculate surprised many. With early goals by Eric Dietz, Tyler Carlos and Steve Vaz, Woodland jumped out to a comfortable lead. But at halftime, Immaculate remained close with a score of 3-2, Woodland leading. In the second half, Woodland dominated and rocked the Mustangs for two goals by Tyler Carlos again and Christain Pinho. At games end, Woodland won pretty easily with a score of 5-2.

    The team under the reign of senior and junior captains Steve Vaz and Tyler Carlos and 8th year coach Tony Moutinho,  is primed for an encouraging  season.