Greenwich High School boys soccer team edges Danbury to improve record to 8-1

By David Fierro on October 6, 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

Photo by David Fierro: Greenwich’s Pietro Carvalho moves the ball along the sideline during a recent game vs. Danbury.

After finishing the 2022 season with a flurry, the Greenwich High School boys soccer team has certainly started its 2023 campaign strong.

The defending CIAC Class LL Tournament champion Cardinals entered today’s road game against FCIAC foe Darien with a record of 8-1 and stood in first place in the FCIAC West Division with 24 points. With 60 percent of the season already completed, the Cardinals, are indeed, on pace to experience another memorable fall.

Heading into today’s matchup against the Blue Wave in Darien, Greenwich was ranked No. 8 in the most recent United Soccer Coaches national poll.

Photo by David Fierro: Nicholas Hvatum scored the game-winning goal for the Greenwich High School boys soccer team against Danbury on Oct. 4, 2023, in Greenwich.

Following a tight 2-0 loss on the road to conference rival Staples, Greenwich responded with a hard-fought 3-2 win over another long-standing rival, Trumbull, at Cardinal Stadium on Sept. 30. On Wednesday, the Cardinals came from behind to beat a formidable Danbury team, 2-1.

Goals from senior Imanol Echevarrio and junior Nicholas Hvatum propelled the Cardinals past the Hatters in Wednesday’s back-and-forth battle. Danbury (3-3-3) began the game in impressive fashion, as it applied pressure on Greenwich early, while registering the matchup’s first goal.

Photo by David Fierro: Mink Van Tuijl of Greenwich moves the ball down the sideline during varsity soccer action against Danbury High School on Oct. 4, 2023, at Cardinal Stadium in Greenwich.

Junior Christian Yuqui booted a shot that found its mark in the left corner of the goal, giving the Hatters a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute. The Cards had a pretty quick response, however, capitalizing on a set piece with 16:41 remaining in the first half.

Senior co-captain Maximo Ferrario sent Greenwich’s corner kick into the box and Echevarrio and senior Tomas Biagini each seemed to get their body on the ball, which found its way past Danbury’s goalie, tying the score at 1-1.

Greenwich was able to gain some momentum toward the middle of the first half and carry it into the second half of play.

The Greenwich High School boys varsity soccer team rallied to beat visiting Danbury, 2-1, in an FCIAC game.

“We came out a little low energy,” said Ferrario, a midfielder. “The first goal was almost like a wake-up call for us. As a team moving forward we have to come here and put teams away early, because it felt like we gifted them a goal.”

Greenwich coach Kurt Putnam reminded the team during his lengthy postgame talk that they must begin each game with more energy.

“A game like this isn’t going to slide in the postseason,” Ferrario noted. “We have to come out with more energy and have more communication as a team.”

Greenwich’s Matthew Maloney in action versus Danbury in FCIAC varsity soccer action at Cardinal Stadium. GHS won, 2-1.

The game winning goal took place in the 49th minute. Hvatum scored off a pass from Ferrario off a shot from approximately 10 yards out, giving Greenwich a 2-1 lead with 30:30 left to play.

“Max got the ball in the box, I came in got the ball right in front of the box,” Hvatum said. “I was 1-on-1 with the keeper and took it over then I was able to shoot it into the right side of the goal.”

Mink Van Tuijl of Greenwich High School controls the ball during FCIAC varsity boys soccer action at Greenwich High.

The Cardinals felt their work rate and energy rise as their tough game against the Hatters progressed.

“The second half was definitely better than the first half, but we still could have worked harder,” Hvatum said. “We can do a lot better, we were just doing through balls and high balls over the top.”

Greenwich High School’s Sean McConnell in action during the Cardinals’ 2-1 win over visiting Danbury.

Junior Matthew Maloney, Ferrario, Echevarria and senior Sean McConnell and Hvatum helped spark Greenwich’s play up front against Danbury, while junior Pietro Carvalho helped pace the team’s defensive play, along with senior tri-captain Andre Meier.

“We didn’t play too well in the first half, but in the second half I thought we brought a little more energy,” Meier said. “It’s nowhere near the level we are capable of, or where we need to be. So, although we’re happy with the win, we could have done better.”

Greenwich High School boys varsity soccer coach Kurt Putnam addresses his squad after a 2–1 win over Danbury.

Like last season, GHS showed its knack for pulling out close games.

“Everyone on the team wants it, we all want to win and we play with hunger and passion,” Meier said. “They came out really strong. They’re a great possession-based team, they keep on moving it. But we adapted to that and played how we needed to beat them.”