North Branford Boys’ Soccer Builds for Future

Despite finishing the 2011 season at 1-14-1, there were still several highlights to the season. The T-Birds started the season with a 3-3 tie against Westbrook on Sept. 14 and took their win on Oct. 15 with a 2-1 victory over Cromwell.

“The players played very hard all game,” said Coach Luke Gagliardi. “We jumped out to an early lead and were able to hold it, which had been a problem for them most of the year. They deserved to be rewarded.”

North Branford was in several close games this season, dropping four games by just one goal and four games by two goals.

The T-Birds' efforts paid off well beyond the soccer field as every shot they took this season benefited their Kicks for a Cause fundraiser. The fundraiser was held to help team member . The teams, varsity and JV, totaled 133 shots for the season as reported on the team's Facebook page. 

While getting a win was a big accomplishment for the team, Gagliardi was also pleased in the effort he saw on and off the field from his captains and the rest of the senior class. Seniors captained the squad.

“The captains brought outstanding leadership on and off the field,” said Gagliardi. “They had heart, pride, work ethic and a desire to work hard no matter what the outcome is.”

Brett Hansen, Matt Scavo, Jordan Rippe, Kyle Caravedo, Tyler Sintay, Randy Willis and Bernie Cermola rounded out the senior class and brought “senior leadership and dedication; they were great models for the younger players,” according to Gagliardi.

Farat’s efforts on the field earned him an All-Shoreline Honorable Mention nod along with junior Alex Raffone, who was a key player for the T-Birds as well.

With Raffone returning for the 2012 season, along with about a half dozen other starters from this year’s team, Gagliardi hopes to build on this season’s experience.

“Next year will be a season where the players look to improve on the positives from this season,” said Gagliardi. “We will have seven junior starters and a nice core of young players to fill in the rest of the necessities. The players are excited to start their off-season work.”