After decades as a player and a coach, it never gets old. November means state tournament time. For everyone connected with high school soccer, it’s the best part of the year. The regular season is done. After 16 matches, the haves have separated from the have-nots. A draw here, a last-second win or loss there, spells the difference between one, two or even more spots in the rankings. That difference translates into a home or away match; a “good” or “bad” draw -- but it doesn

In 2008, the Staples High School team that I coach received 15 cards. All were yellows. The majority came in the run of play: hard tackles, jumping over a player for ahead ball, that sort of thing. Four came from one official; another four came from another ref. As a result, we were on probation for the following year. My athletic director and I had to appear before the CIAC Soccer Committee. They were firm but fair. They asked me about the circumstances and the players invol

Lewis Mills hosted Nonnewaug on Thursday, October 6th in the Battle for the Berkshires. Led by Nathan Firling's two goals, Nonnewaug upped its record to 9-0-0, while conceding its first goal of the season. Let's hear from the two coaches prior to the match.

Thursday night saw Nassahegan Field in Burlington, CT host the Berkshire League’s best boys soccer rivalry – Lewis Mills v. Nonnewaug. Two teams that made deep runs in the Class M State Tournament in 2015, both with tough losses in the semi-finals, were back at it again. Each team entered the match at 8-0-0 with Nonnewaug yet to concede a goal. Lewis Mills has come out on top of the conference the past few years, but Nonnewaug is right there nipping at their heels. Lewis M

Somers handed Granby their first loss of the new campaign in an exciting, 2-1 battle in the rain on Friday, September 30th at Somers HS. Hear from the two head coaches prior to the match as they talk about getting their boys ready for the big game.

Ask any coach why he does this, and you’ll get similar answers: the opportunity to pass along skills, tactics, passion and a love for the beautiful game. The chance to help develop hearts, minds and characters of young players, at a crucial time in their lives. The joy of being outdoors, day after day, on fantastic New England fall afternoons. (We don’t do it for the pay. But that’s a story for another day.) I can’t speak for all coaches, but I think many agree that that’s on

Tuesday was perfect fall soccer weather for my visit to Glastonbury. Today was classic New England - windy, rainy and cold - as I cruised down Route 190 to Somers High School. I was there to watch the defending Class S champion Spartans host the only undefeated team left in the NCCC, the Granby Bears. The last time I visited Somers HS was to coach an NCCC Senior Bowl game in the fall of 2008, before Tolland left that league for the CCC. It is a beautiful grass facility,