UPDATE: The boys soccer team officially qualified for states with a 6-1 win over East Haven on Wednesday, October 15. Their first round game will be played during the first week of November.

By Kayla Patrick – Sports Editor

Law’s boys and girls soccer teams are hoping to kick it into states this fall.

Boys soccer has the best record of any Law fall sports team this year. The team is one point away from qualifying for states for the first time in 13 years.

As of October 14, the boys have a record of 5-5-2.

The Lawmen are coached by Donato Piselli and has been led this season by senior captains Craig Calderone, Herbie Pritchard, Mike Chodziutko, Jon Costa, and junior Antonio Gjuraj.

“As a captain I try to lead by an example on the field always giving 100%,” Calderone said.

The boys’ game against Hamden was a big win as it was their first road win of the year. The Lawmen also won tough games against Hillhouse, East Haven, and most importantly, Foran.

“It felt amazing to beat Foran after all the times they beat us,” Pritchard said. “I was happy to represent Law with that important win.”

Many of the boys mentioned how the Foran game was very high intensity and emotional. They also said their mission to make states is their top priority right now.

“It’d be a dream come true to makes states especially after four years of not winning any games it’d be a big step,” Costa said. “We will try harder every day to improve as a team and I’ll be very vocal in the midfield.”

Pritchard agreed and said he hope the team would win at least one game in states if they qualify.

“If we make states our new goal is to do our best in the tournament and try to advance as far as possible,” Pritchard said. “As a captain I’m going to encourage the team to work as hard as we can to achieve our goal.”

Some other key players for the Lawmen this season have been the five captains, freshman Kevin Linn, and junior Taylan Altin.

“If we make states it would be one of the biggest accomplishments, but we won’t stop there,” Calderone said. “This will be a stepping stone for seasons to come.”

The boys’ Senior Night is October 22 against West Haven.

“I’m definitely excited to give it my all one last time on the Law field,” Calderone said.

Boys soccer has eight graduating seniors – Calderone, Costa, Pritchard, Chodziutko, Josh Kucewicz, Amar Almidani, Tyler Thammavongsa, and Max Slusky.

“It’s going to be a very emotional game,” Costa said. “I’m going to miss the atmosphere on game day as well as the players and coach.”

Meanwhile, the girls soccer team is coached by Mr. Rhode. This year’s senior captains are Amanda Leone, Cori Kalafus, and Emily LaLuna.

“Being captain is a very important and stressful role but having such a great relationship with the girls on the team made it much easier and a lot of fun,” Leone said. “Also, being a goalie made the role of being captain a lot easier because a goalie is someone who takes charge on the field and the position helped me lead my team.”

So far this season, the girls have two wins. Both came in thrilling victories over rival Foran.

“It felt awesome to win against Foran twice because it’s such a big rivalry and we beat them both times last year so we’re 4-0 against them,” Laluna said.

The second game was intense, with Law winning 2-1 on a late header by sophomore Cassidy White. That victory kept the team alive for the state tournament. They will qualify if they win all of their remaining games.

“Beating Foran was unbelievable,” Leone said. “Unfortunately we cannot make states this year, but coming out of the season with our two wins against our town rival is an incredible feeling.”

Senior night was said to be “unforgettable” by some of the senior players. Although it was a lot of fun, the seniors mentioned how upsetting it was to know it was their last time playing on their home turf.

“I am going to miss being with my teammates,” Kalafus said.

Girls soccer has five seniors graduating this year – LaLuna, Leone, Kalafus, Erica Velky, and Shannon Williams.

“My teammates were literally my second family and I made such a great relationship with every single person on the team,” Leone said. “Practices and games were always a lot of fun and I am going to miss these memories the most.”

(Photos courtesy Rostrum Yearbook and newstimes.com)