Wildcats earn Senior Night win

Jack Lydon looks to make a play upfield during Suffield's 7-0 victory over Enfield on Nov. 1. Photos by Colin Rajala.

The Suffield High School boys’ soccer team was pushed to their brink by the Enfield Raiders on Oct. 11, and needed two late-second-half goals to put them down, 2-0. Suffield (14-1) was determined to play better in their second match-up and did just that, sending their eight seniors off right a with a decisive 7-0 victory over Enfield (4-11-1) on Nov. 1 in the Wildcats’ final regular season home game under the lights of Beneski Turf Field. With the dominating win, the Wildcats extended their win streak to nine games and took over sole possession of third place in the Class M state tournament, where they hope to defend their 2011 state championship. With the victory, the Wildcats also solidified the North Central Connecticut Conference championship.

“They didn’t take them for granted today, like they did last game,” said Suffield head coach Mark Beigel. “I told them to come out disciplined, focused and get the ball in the back of the net and just take control of the game, and that’s what they did.”

The Wildcats came out of the gates with all cylinders firing, scoring their first goal just four minutes into the match, when David Biederman played a through ball to Sean Sullivan, who beat the keeper near post. Just two minutes later, Sullivan received a goal kick at half field from Connor Beaulieu, taking it downfield into Enfield’s box and passing it off to Biederman, who touched the ball past the goalkeeper and tapped it into the back of the net. The duo connected again with 14 minutes left in the half, when Enfield High failed to clear a corner and Biederman headed it to the center of the net, and Sullivan headed it for the three goal advantage. Suffield’s four second-half goals were scored on a shot by Chris Luongo, a header from Colton Grob, header from Brent Baskin, and a shot by Nick Delvaglio.

“The seniors are a great bunch of guys, and it’s good to win and pay tribute to the effort they’ve given to the program and the success of the team,” Beigel said.