Attitude, versatility fuel strong start to season 

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Woodland’s Alexander Farr celebrates with teammates Sean Hussey (3), Cole Barrows (8) and Devon Polletta (7) after scoring a goal against Naugatuck Sept. 26 at Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

BEACON FALLS — It’s one of the most anticipated matches on the Woodland boys soccer team’s schedule every year — the annual rivalry showdown against Naugatuck.

But unlike last year’s Naugatuck Valley League semifinal victory over the Greyhounds, the Hawks took this one on the chin.

Chris Akinduro and Sammy Daniel netted goals within the first 15 minutes and Naugy never trailed in a 3-1 victory over the Hawks last Thursday in Beacon Falls. It was Woodland’s first NVL loss of the season, and coming near the midway point of the season, it may serve as a jolt for the title contender.

“Sometimes you need a wakeup call,” Woodland coach Kenan Collins said. “I know the kids are going to bounce back. They’re headstrong — they have the right mindset; they have the right attitude. We’ll get it out of our system and move on.”

Alex Farr scored on an assist from Jack Schwarz to cut Woodland’s deficit to 2-1, but the Hawks didn’t get any closer despite Ryan Lamb’s 10 saves. Naugy extended the lead early in the second half on a goal by Lucas Silva, but the game’s physicality remained until the final minutes.

“The boys were up for it,” Collins said of the Hawks’ effort. “I can’t fault them — for 80 minutes, they played their hearts out.”

The opposing head coach felt the same way.

“These are the games we live for,” Naugatuck coach Ryan Kinne said. “I’d prefer 16 of these games than the 6-nil games. These are the fun ones. I hope they rise to the occasion and have fun while they compete.”

With the loss, Woodland dropped to 5-2 overall (4-1 NVL) in what’s otherwise been a successful first half of the season.

The Hawks entered their tilt against the ‘Hounds on a four-match winning streak. Woodland had pitched four shutouts in its first five victories, including an 8-0 pasting of Ansonia on Sept. 24.

Naugatuck’s Simon Diaz (14) and Woodland’s Dante Polletta (25) battle for the ball Sept. 26 at Woodland Regional High School in Beacon Falls. –ELIO GUGLIOTTI

In that contest, the Black and Gold had eight different goal scorers: Farr, Nathaniel Smith, Cole Barrows, George Hughes, Ethan Carlone, David Martins, Sean Hussey and Daniel Sargent. Farr, Martins, Jason Claiborn, Dante Polletta, Sean Swanson and Dom Frackiewicz added assists.

“For the first time this season, every goal was from a different player,” Collins said. “That was good to see.”

That spoke to Woodland’s depth and versatility, which Collins sees as a strength heading toward the second half of the regular season and eventually the postseason.

“We’ve got a few kids who can play in different positions and they give me their all,” Collins said. “It’s nice because it gives us a lot of options. They have great attitudes. It’s a very family feel to it. It’s a nice mix of getting down to business and having a laugh. You can see that reflected in their play.”

Woodland is set to visit St. Paul Tuesday. After a week off, the Hawks will be back in action next Tuesday night at Wolcott before another crucial NVL showdown against defending champion Watertown on Oct. 11 in Beacon Falls.