Sullivan taking healthy approach

Oct. 12—SOUTH WINDSOR — Kyle Sullivan earned the starting goaltending job for the South Windsor High boys soccer team ahead of his sophomore season in 2020.

But a broken thumb cost him all of that season, and a concussion led to him missing the first half of last year's campaign as well.

Sullivan has stayed injury free through the first half of his senior season, and he's thankful he's finally gotten the chance to show what he can do between the pipes.

"I'm very happy," Sullivan said. "The boys are rolling, and we just have to keep the momentum going."

That momentum did roll on Tuesday as Sullivan made three saves to lead the Bobcats to a 2-0 win over RHAM in a battle of CCC East foes.

"I think the defense, myself, and the whole team collectively did a great job to keep a zero on the score sheet," Sullivan said. "At the end of the day, that's our job. And it was a job well done."

South Windsor (7-0-2), which was ranked eighth in this week's CSCA Class LL/L state coaches poll, has won six straight games. The Bobcats won only five games in 2021.

"I think the leadership is much better," senior Aadi Dey said. "The team as a whole, it's more of a brotherhood than it was last year. Everyone is working together, everyone is lifting everyone else up. So, it helps us on the field a lot."

Sullivan — who has committed to Northeast Conference member Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts — has been a big part of that success. Tuesday was his seventh shutout of the season and third in a row. He's allowed just three goals in nine starts.

"His work ethic is second to none," Bobcats coach Pete Lepak said. "He's one of the hardest working players I've ever coached. It's to the point where you can go to the high school any day off-season and he's on the turf. And if he's not on the turf, I ask him what he's doing and he's in the basement getting touches. He just wants it more than anyone else, and he's proven it."

Following a scoreless first half, Dey opened the scoring for the hosts 7:49 into the second following a nice run around multiple defenders. Jack Stricker had the assist.

"I got the ball and I had a lot of space," Dey said. "I just took it, took what was given to me and finished my chance."

RHAM (4-3-3) generated its own chances, including a nice shot from Max Sementa that Sullivan saved with 22:48 to play, but wasn't able to net the equalizer.

"I'm happy with our kids efforts," Raptors coach Ray Bell said. "I think execution lacked a little bit in some spots. That could've been fatigue, not that we like to make excuses. But I'm not upset with the effort. I think it was just a lack of execution.

"I think we were just trying to survive today."

Drew Monteserin added an insurance goal for South Windsor with a low shot off the post with 9:28 left to play following a through ball from Ben Tortora.

Despite the loss, Erik Buden had a strong game in goal for the Raptors, finishing with eight saves.

"He's been like that for the last couple years," Bell said. "He's a pretty good field player, he takes charge. That's why he's one of our captains. He was really aggressive coming out."

Both teams are at home Friday for CCC interdivisional contests. RHAM hosts Avon while South Windsor entertains Rocky Hill.

"We've got to play 80 minutes," Lepak said. "We have not had an 80-minute strong game yet. There's been some glimpses of just great soccer, and then there's other glimpses where it's like what are we doing? So we have to be able to play an 80 minute game."

EAST HARTFORD 6, E.O. SMITH 2. In Storrs, senior Julius McNeil netted a natural hat trick in a 7:41 span of the first half — the first three-goal game of his career — and East Hartford went on to the CCC East victory.

McNeil opened the scoring with 9:35 gone on an assist by Gianmarco DeLaCruz. Alex Alvarez assisted on McNeil's second goal 3:22 later and McNeil headed home Ricardo Sanguino's corner kick 4:19 after that to complete the hat trick.

Griffin Stacey brought E.O. Smith (3-7-0) back within two before goals by Alex Martinez and Keyshawn Crumpton made it 5-1 at halftime. Martinez scored the final goal for the Hornets (6-2-2), who qualified for the Class LL state tournament with the win.

Lesly Pinthiere and Damian Mach combined for six saves in the East Hartford net.

The Hornets play host to Tolland on Friday.

BERLIN 3, EAST CATHOLIC 0. In Manchester, Michael Abayomi scored twice as Berlin picked up the CCC interdivisional win.

Joseph Francalangia also scored for the Redcoats (8-1-1). Goalie Omar Montanez made three saves for the shutout.

East Catholic (2-6-2) received seven saves from goalie Justin Abbamonte.

The Eagles entertain CCC East foe Enfield on Friday.

PLAINVILLE 2, WINDSOR 1. In Windsor, two goals from Trevor Rau lifted Plainville to the CCC interdivisional win.

Austin Lussier recorded 11 saves for the Blue Devils (3-4-1).

The Warriors (3-4-3) received a goal from Teashawn Berry and four saves from goalie Micah Gregory.

Windsor travels to Simsbury on Thursday.

LEWIS MILLS 3, ENFIELD 1. In Enfield, Alex Swider had two goals and assisted on Robbie Rubbo's tie-breaker with six minutes left as Lewis Mills went on to the CCC interdivisional win.

Enfield (3-4-3) led at halftime on Antonio Calabrese's goal from 17 yards out. Swider got the Spartans (4-4-1) even with a 20-yard shot with 18 minutes to go and then helped his team take the lead when his corner kick found Rubbo to make it 2-1. Swider added an insurance goal with three minutes remaining.

Marek Nardi made six saves for Lewis Mills. Lucas Wachtel had 11 saves for the Eagles, who visit East Catholic Friday.

ELLINGTON 3, MONTVILLE 0. In Ellington, Ryan Dieterle had a goal and an assist as the unbeaten and host Knights made it 10 straight wins in non-league action.

Dieterle opened the scoring for Ellington (10-0-0) with 14 minutes gone and Nicolas Valasquez, assisted by Ethan Mallett, made it 2-0 with his goal two minutes later. Dieterle assisted on Owen Hoffman's goal with 35:15 left to put it away.

The Knights, ranked No. 1 in the Class M/S coaches poll, return to NCCC play today at Bolton.

GLASTONBURY 4, FARMINGTON 2. At Tunxis Mead Park, Jack Shaheen scored twice in Glastonbury's CCC West victory.

Ben Pavano and Will Greelish also had goals for the Guardians (9-0-1), who are ranked third in the coaches Class LL/L poll. Farmington is 4-4-2.

Glastonbury hosts Bristol Central Thursday.

For coverage of UConn football and men's basketball as well as area high school and local youth sports, follow Adam Betz on Twitter: @AdBetz1, Facebook: Adam Betz — Sports Writer, and Instagram: @AdBetzJI.