Soccer Teams Start Strong

Boys Soccer (2-0):

The Bobcats opened the season with a dominating 4-0 victory at New Fairfield on Tuesday night. Brookfield backed that win up with an impressive 1-0 win at home against Bunnell on Thursday.

Playing in the wind and rain in front of a pumped up crowd, the Bobcats used a gorgeous goal by A.J. Sussingham at the 18:31 mark of the second half to knock off the 26th ranked team in the nation.  Making the win even more impressive was the fact that Brookfield was playing without two starters, including senior captain Rocco D’Arcangelo.

“They were as good as advertised,” new Brookfield head coach Tyler Sheikh said of Bunnell. Sheikh is the brother of former Bobcat coach Jared Sheikh, who guided Brookfield to two state titles.

“We needed to hit our chances,” said Sheikh of his team, who created perhaps five chances to the Bulldog's 20. “My boys put forth a tremendous 80-minute effort and I think it culminated in that moment where A.J. was able to tuck home his opportunity.”

The Brookfield defense fended off the speed and ability of Bunnell and was backed by a big game in net by goalie Austin DaCunha.

“All credit to our defense and Austin in the net,” Sheikh said. “I told the boys before the game you are going to have moments, Austin you are going to have a game saving stop, or three or four as it was today.”

In the opening season win against the Rebels, senior Colin Burke exploded for all four goals. Steve Bastura, Jackson Hathaway and Antonio Assante assisted on three of the goals as Burke helped Brookfield start the season right.

“Colin is a premier goal-scorer, that’s what he does,” Sheikh said of his striker. “He’s speed, he’s size, he puts defenses under pressure. Four goals in the first game really sent a message to the league as does this win: Brookfield’s a crew to be reckoned with.”

The win against Bunnell not only sent a strong message, it also avenged the gut-wrenching penalty kick shootout loss in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs a year ago.

“Wonderful start, dream start,” Sheikh said of the team's two wins in his opening games as head coach.

“It’s good to be back with the boys,” he said of returning to Brookfield where he was the JV soccer coach under his brother and also a tennis coach. “I’m not looking to follow in his footsteps, he won two state titles. I’m just trying to do the best I can with this group.”

Girls Soccer (1-0):

The Lady Bobcats began their season with a 3-0 home victory against New Fairfield on Tuesday. Brookfield was led by junior Julia DePoi who scored two goals in the win. Jenn Millar added a goal and Carly Cobbol recorded two assists in the shutout victory.

The Lady Bobcats take on Bunnell in Stratford on Friday night.