Wild Bunch Win 2008 U16 CT Cup!

Pictured above (left to right): 1st row seated - Eric Tabora, Chino Oliva, Chris Esquival, Gabe Nardi-Huffman, Rolly Montero; second row - Pierre Marquez, Robert Geitz, Danny Quintero, Ludin Gonzalez, Danny Jacob, AJ Taccone, Juan Vasquez; back row - Coach Oscar Tabora, Andres Torres, Tom McCartney, Edwin Carvajal, Mike Jimenez, Mike LePoutre, Fabian Carvajal, Louis Lopez, Coach Kurt Jacob. Missing from photo: Coach Steve Cenatiempo and Brandon Cenatiempo. The Wildbunch ran through the regular spring season a perfect 8-0-0 with 36 goals scored and only allowing 1, and that was an own goal. Their run to the cup was remarkable one; beating Wallingford at home 5-0 in the first round, and traveling away and winning 5-1 in the quarter finals again a physical Danbury team. In the semi finals Norwalk played Manchester at home in the sweltering heat and won 3-2 -- getting the game winner in the last 5 minutes. The final was played against NECONN. In the first half Norwalk clearly was more of a technical team playing a 4-4-2 formation. Norwalk held the advantage in possesion while taking some quality shots at goal and out-shooting their opponent; however, no one found the back of the net. NECONN played a more kick-and-run style of play, and decided to play defensively and counter when they could. That decision paid off because their two shots for the half did find the back of the net. Score at halftime: Norwalk 0, NECONN 2. Norwalk never was behind in a game all season; this was new territory for them. How would they react? At halftime Coach Kurt Jacob continued to praise his players for their style of play. He told his players if the other team can take two shots and they go in, then we can take three shots that can go in. Coach Jacob changed the formation to a 3-4-3 to become even more offensive-minded. NECONN played with just one forward and was content to "pack it in." Norwalk continued to play inspired soccer and pressured NECONN. Just 12 minutes into the second half Andres Torres scored to get one back. At the 20th minute mark Chris Esquival tied it up at 2. Norwalk was on a roll and could feel the tide turning. Norwalk continued to keep possesion in their opponents side for the remainder of the half. Finally, with 8 minutes left in the game Fabian Carvajal hit a beautifull 30 yard shot just over the keeper's hands into the upper corner for the 3-2 Norwalk lead. Norwalk held on to win the game and held NECONN without a shot on goal for the second half (just two for the game). Norwalk held an 18-2 edge in shots. The NECONN coach said to Norwalk "you were the best team we faced all season."