Girls soccer previews: Finocchiaro sizes up things at Bolton

Sep. 6—Coaches are used to making adjustments. But there isn't a coach in Connecticut making a bigger adjustment this fall than Joe Finocchiaro.

After 13 seasons coaching girls soccer at one of the largest high schools in the state, Glastonbury, Finocchiaro has taken over the program at one of the smaller high schools in the state, Bolton. He replaces veteran coach Paco Ruiz.

In Finocchiaro's tenure, Glastonbury won five Class LL state championships and 11 straight CCC West titles while compiling a winning percentage of .937. While Bolton was a consistent Class S tournament participant under Ruiz, the Bulldogs last NCCC championship came in 1989.

Yet, Finocchiaro sees many similarities.

"When I first got to Glastonbury they had not won a conference title in five years and had no state titles," Finocchiaro said Monday. "We rebuilt at Glastonbury and we're going to do that at Bolton. That was enticing to me. We want to develop the kids and grow the sport in this part of the state."

Finocchiaro was 224-10-11 at Glastonbury before stepping down prior to the 2021 season. The former North Carolina-Wilmington player is also the boys director for Northeast United premier soccer. He turned down the opportunity to coach at Portland to take over the Bulldogs.

Glastonbury's enrollment is around 2,000, compared to Bolton's approximately 250.

"We probably had more girls try out at Glastonbury for our varsity, JV, and freshman teams than there are at Bolton High," Finocchiaro said. "But it's refreshing. There's certainly less pressure.

"The players' work ethic surprised me here. We had a jamboree Saturday and we hung with South Windsor, beat East Hampton, and then after a long delay struggled with Ellington. But I'm really excited to work with them."

Finocchiaro is among five first-year coaches at their respective schools joining Nina Altieri (Coventry), Matt Cameron (RHAM), Everton Richards (East Hartford), and Hannah Steed (Rockville).

Suffield is the reigning NCCC champion with Tolland looking for a repeat in the CCC East and Glastonbury in search of another CCC West crown.

The regular season begins Thursday.

NCCC

Bolton

COACH: Joe Finocchiaro

2021 RECORD: 7-9-1 (5-6-1 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Allie Buonomano, GK; Madison Peacock, F; Isabel Kenney, F; Abigail Gallacher, D; Carly Robbins, F; Liliana Potter, F; Julia Zimmerman, D; Riley Graves, MF; Sydnie Stevens, D. Juniors: Niya Islam, D; Sarah Orzolek, MF; Emma Diehl, F; Chloe McNamara, MF; Ellie Dube, MF; Samiyah Brown, F. Sophomores: Julia Gravel, MF; Brooke Holota, D.

OUTLOOK: Finocchiaro takes over for long-time coach Paco Ruiz and inherits a group of upperclassmen that used a second-half surge a season ago to qualify for the Class S tournament. Peacock earned All-State honors as a junior and is one of four senior captains. "The team is working hard to improve every day," Finocchiaro said. "The group of seniors we have this season are all great role models for our younger players."

Coventry

COACH: Nina Altieri

2021 RECORD: 9-7-2 (7-4-1 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Kaitlyn Corrigan, MF; Emma Daly, MF-F; Celia Merluzzo, MF-F; Miya Kinney, D. Freshmen: Jianna Foran, MF.

OUTLOOK: Altieri moves up to varsity and replaces Warren Herrington. The Patriots suffered a bad break as All-State midfielder Sophie Verosky was injured and is lost for the season, but Altieri feels they have the players in place, including from a strong freshman class, to fill the void. "The depth of the team will be our strongest ally this season," Altieri said. "The girls are excited for the new season and all of the changes the team has endured to get to where we are right now. It's going to be a good season."

East Windsor/SMSA

COACH: Michael James

2021 RECORD: 4-12-0 (1-11-0 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Ceirra Thibodeau. Juniors: Zoe Pepin. Sophomores: Kristina Keyes, Aaliyah Trout, Grace Meyer, Allison Ragaglia, Samantha Ruggiero.

OUTLOOK: It's the second year of the co-op and the combination of East Windsor and SMSA will try to take a step forward with a young group. The Panthers will replace four-year starting goalie Katie Blume with sophomore Ruggiero and she'll have Thebodeau in front of her to anchor the back line. "Our under classmen will get lots of experience in midfield and striker positions," James said. The co-op should see improvement with experience as the year goes on.

Ellington

COACH: Dave LaPorte

2021 RECORD: 9-3-6 (7-2-3 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Erica Paparian, F; Natalie Ewald, D; Mackenzie Helbig, D; Brooke Diwinsky, D; Gillian Paseka, MF; Giada Zaffanella, MF; Casey Rice, MF; Nadia Zaffanella, MF. Sophomores: Giada Zaffanella, MF.

OUTLOOK: The Knights have lost only three times the last two seasons but 14 Class of 2021 seniors — including All-State player Madeline Duskocy — have moved on. Paparian was Ellington's leading scorer a year ago and the defense, which allowed 0.94 goals per game, returns Ewald, Helbig and Diwinsky. "At this point it is too early for expectations, but our intention is to play good soccer and control the controllable," LaPorte said. Can the Knights' newcomers raise their game?

Rockville

COACH: Hannah Steed

2021 RECORD: 3-11-2 (3-8-1 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Chloe Keane, MF, Jordan Galica, GK, Anna Moore, D Lauren Haddad, MF Julia Szuminski, D.

OUTLOOK: Steed moves up from junior varsity to take over at her alma mater replacing Bill Bilyak. The Rams start the season healthy after a number of injuries to top players ruined 2021 for them, though they did show potential with an upset of perennial NCCC power Granby. Keane earned all-conference honors as a junior. The offense is young but an experienced defense anchored by senior goalie Galica and classmates Moore and Szuminski should keep them in games. Steed's goal is for Rockville to be competitive in the NCCC.

Somers

COACH: Jody Catellier

2021 RECORD: 14-4-1 (9-3-0 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Jamie Anthony, MF; Mackenzie Bridge, MF; Shea Cassidy, D; Laura Catellier, MF; Deidre Dalessio, MF; Devon Dalessio, F; Erin Donohue, D; Robin Gaskell, F; Josie Goulet, D; Katie Grondin, F; Kiana Kalman, D; Hallie Watt, D. Juniors: Katie Brown, D; Grace Dina, GK; Taylor Illuzzi, MF. Sophomores: Avery D'Amour, MF; Ava DePeau, MF; Jocelyn Randall, D; Maggie Sikoski, D. Freshmen: Maya Skalski, F.

OUTLOOK: The Spartans reached the Class S tournament semifinals a year ago for the first time since 2008 and with nine returning starters there's no reason for them not to take the next step. Deidre Dalessio earned All-State honors as a junior while D'Amour was an all-NCCC pick as a freshman. Somers must replace graduated All-State goalie Bianca Green with junior Dina getting the nod. "If she and our restructured defense perform well this year, we should make a deep run in the Class S tournament," Catellier said.

Stafford

COACH: Joe Mooney

2021 RECORD: 3-8-5 (2-7-3 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Abby Kearns, MF; Drea Oswell, GK; Camden Smith, D; Jordan Huntley, D; Kacie Consolini, F; Isabella Irwin, MF. Juniors: Jolina Canillas, D; Aubrey Langlois, D. Freshmen: Bella Coporale, F; Callie Augusto, MF.

OUTLOOK: After missing out on a postseason berth by two points a year ago, the Bulldogs should have what it takes to be in action when Class S tournament play begins in November as they return their starting lineup. Mooney calls his seniors "rock solid" and his juniors and sophomores earned valuable game experience while playing against the best in the NCCC. Oswell anchors the defense. The freshman class providing much-needed depth at many positions.

Suffield

COACH: David Sullivan

2021 RECORD: 13-4-0 (12-0-0 NCCC champion)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: MacKenzie Chevier, D; Ella Kollmorgen, GK, Claire Picard, D; Bryanna Tinnirella, MF; Alicia Wertman, MF. Juniors: Rylie Baril, MF; Kayleigh Mahannah, F; Addie O'Connor, D; Jordyn Woodbury, MF. Sophomores: Alanna Fairbairn, GK; Olivia Matthews, MF; Sammie Motta, D; Izzy Potter, D' Claudia Skoczlas, MF; Maddie Tucker, MF. Freshmen: Kylie Tinnirella, MF.

OUTLOOK: The Wildcats regained the NCCC championship from Granby a year ago and should be a favorite for that title again, but they struggled somewhat down the stretch and lost in the Class L tournament second round to Wethersfield. Can Suffield make a run in Class L this time around? Matthews earned All-State honors as a freshman and should pace a strong offense while the core defenders in front of goalie Kollmorgen are back. Suffield should be a tough out.

Windsor Locks

COACH: Jim O'Brien

2021 RECORD: 6-7-4 (6-4-2 NCCC)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Sofia Christianson, Zi'Onna Davis, Arya Muska, Jocelyn Werth. Sophomores: Julia Dufresne, Allison Gough, Katie Gough, Jasmine Hurdle, Caroline McGinnis, Maeve McGinnis, Alis Oberg, Lia Quagliaroli.

OUTLOOK: Having a sophomore-dominated roster isn't the best way to go into a season in the always-challenging NCCC, but O'Brien has confidence his young team can be competitive with the best the conference has to offer. Davis, Muska, and Werth are returning seniors. "Our seniors are doing a very good job with leadership and creating a strong, positive vibe on the team," O'Brien said. The Raiders are looking for a return to the Class S tournament and make noise there.

CCC EAST

East Catholic

COACH: Scott Raiola

2021 RECORD: 4-10-2 (0-5-2 CCC East)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Callie Gentile, MF; Zoe Latina, MF/D; Sydney Ledoux, MF/F; Kaitlyn Nyberg, F. Juniors: Shea Boyle, MF. Sophomores: Avery Prewo, MF/F. Freshmen: Anya Tasil, F; Cat Carmon, D.

OUTLOOK: It's been five years since the Eagles have been to the state tournament and since 2016 since they won a postseason game. But a mixture of experience and youth has them thinking about playing games in November past their regular-season finale. Latina and Ledoux are all-CCC East players and they'll serve as captains along with fellow senior Nyberg. The addition of Boyle as a junior adds depth as will what Raiola calls a talented freshman class led by Tasil and Carmon. East Catholic will be tested in its opener by reigning division champion Tolland.

East Hartford

COACH: Everton Richards

2021 RECORD: 4-10-2 (0-5-2 CCC East)

KEY PLAYERS: Juniors: Swathi Ganesh, F; Meghan Moore, F; Tayla Garro, MF. Sophomores: Zoe Mercado, GK. Freshmen: Jaylene Perez, MF.

OUTLOOK: Richards replaces Domonique Pascascio with the Hornets. On the field they must find a way to replace Tajiah Seals, who has taken her talents to Iona College. But Richards feels he has a solid group of returning players and is excited about the incoming freshman class that will contribute. Mercado comes into the season battled-tested after a strong freshman year while Ganesh should be an offensive spark on the front line.

Enfield

COACH: Kate Battista

2021 RECORD: 7-10-0 (3-4-0 CCC East)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Hanna Grace, MF; Jacqueline Perry, MF/F. Juniors: Sydney Marshall, MF/F; Samantha Fuller, D; Mattingly Alaimo, D; Audrey Mazzarella, MF/F; Lilly Jaeger, MF; Mia Daly, GK. Sophomores: Natalie Dumas, D; Aubree Usher, MF/F; Madi Archer, D; Isabela Huffman, MF/F; Alyssa Hosig, MF.

OUTLOOK: The Eagles hit hard times in the final weeks of the 2021 season, losing six of their last seven games and bowing out in the first round of the Class LL state tournament to Wilton. While still young, Enfield has most of its starting lineup back and has the potential to return to the postseason and get past that first game. Marshall, an all-CCC East selection a season ago, paces a deep junior class while Usher earned all-CCC East honors as a freshman. A fast start could be the path to a strong finish.

Manchester

COACH: Patrick Mulligan

2021 RECORD: 11-3-4 (4-2-1 CCC East)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Kayla Berube, Kenzie Hall, Nina Montague. Juniors: Kaylee Cormier. Sophomores: Addie Hall, Liz Schoenenberger. Freshman: Maeve Carroll.

OUTLOOK: It was strong first season under Mulligan for the Red Hawks and it was a rookie leading the way. Schoeneberger had 25 goals as a freshman on her way to earning all-CCC East honors. She returns to pace the Manchester offense. Freshman Carroll in the midfield should be an asset to the attack. The defense, meanwhile, has three of its fullbacks and goalie Montague back. The Red Hawks allowed one goal or fewer in 15 of 18 games. They should be a threat alongside Tolland and E.O. Smith in the division.

RHAM

COACH: Matt Cameron

2021 RECORD: 4-9-3 (4-2-1 CCC East)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Grace Whitmore, MF; Ava Dean, MF/F; Jenna Humphries, D; Maddy Murray, MF; Julia Mrachek, GK; Ella Hall, MF. Juniors: Kaylee Macca, D; Amy Forrest, MF/F; Ava Machowski, MF/F.

OUTLOOK: Cameron replaces Nick Libera. The Raptors missed the state tournament for the first time since 2006 a year ago and that included a run of eight straight seasons (2012-19) as a Top-5 seed. Cameron considers 2022 sort of a rebuilding year. "We're working to become a team that can compete in every match, become a team that can adapt to various opponents, establish consistency in our play, and become collectively resilient and organized," Cameron said. RHAM has a tough opening stretch with games against Manchester and Wethersfield and two against Tolland.

South Windsor

COACH: Joe Camire

2021 RECORD: 4-8-4 (2-4-1 CCC East)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Meg Martin, D; Chion Pollard, D; Sarah Gordon, F. Juniors: Haley Butler, GK; Emerson Iacovelli, MF; Katelyn Roux, F; Hailey Testa, MF.

OUTLOOK: The Bobcats kept their streak of reaching the state tournament every time the event's been held since the start of the millennium, barely, a year ago as they finished the regular season at the minimum .400 winning percentage to qualify. Now they'll look to rebound without All-State and four-year goalie Maria Galley, now starting at Xavier University. Martin returns to anchor the defense, while Iacovelli will be the playmaker. Gordon and Roux will need to find the net consistently in order for the Bobcats to regain their winning edge.

Tolland

COACH: Erin Reed

2021 RECORD: 8-3-6 (5-0-2 CCC East champion)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Audrey Cadman, F; Maria Cayward, MF; Maddie Lash, MF; Casey Shorts, MF; Jackie Sterling, D. Juniors: Aiyanna Robles-Sedano, MF. Sophomores: Cali-Dean Craft, F; Taylor Sztaba, MF.

OUTLOOK: The Eagles won the CCC East championship a year ago by beating E.O. Smith and will not give up that title without a fight though they must replace two Division I college players in Maddie Kolb (New Hampshire) and Alyssa Giroux (American) and all-conference goalie Sophia Rotondaro. Reed said Tolland "is looking to have a multi-pronged attack led by a group with both finesse and speed." All-CCC East back Sterling will anchor the defense. But it will be, Reed said, "a smart midfield with lots of experience and depth that will make Tolland a contender" to repeat in the CCC East.

CCC WEST

Glastonbury

COACH: Mark Landers

2021 RECORD: 12-3-1 (6-1-0 CCC West champion)

KEY PLAYERS: Seniors: Alayna Taylor, MF; Gianna Angelillo, F; Kelsey Landers, MF; Riley Carroll, MF; Anna Shaheen, D; Gisele Astiasarian, D; Mackenzie Landers, D. Juniors: Hailey Moriarty, F; Caleigh Sullivan, D; Angela Chavez, MF; Marla Radickas, GK. Sophomores: Corey Anderson, MF.

OUTLOOK: The Guardians added another CCC West title to their long list of championships, but when Cheshire beat them in the second round of the Class LL tournament, it marked the first time since 2010 they failed to reach the final four. Perhaps that adds motivation to a team that looks loaded with three Division I college commits in Taylor (UConn), Angelillo (Miami) and Kelsey Landers (Iona) and a returning All-State performer in junior Moriarty. A deep senior class must provide the leadership, culture and experience for the team to be successful.

For coverage of all sports in the JI's 18-town coverage area, plus updates on the UConn women's basketball team and head coach Geno Auriemma, follow Carl Adamec on Twitter: @CarlAdamec, Facebook: Carl Adamec, and Instagram: @CarlAdamec.