Boys’ Soccer Teams Converge on Cheshire
June 20, 2009 by Greg Lederer
When you hear statistics like 46 soccer teams and approximately 740 players, it isn’t uncommon to imagine an event spanning multiple sites to accommodate the games. The Cheshire Soccer Club recently proved once again that it is quite feasible to host that kind of action in one place.
Boys’ teams from all four corners of the state participated during the 19th Annual Connecticut Invitational Tournament, held June 13-14 at Quinnipiac Park. Tournament Director Rob Janes took great satisfaction in handing out T-shirts to the players.
“We waited until Saturday morning, so that the players could have them for the start of the tournament. Goalkeepers were wearing them as their shirts,” said Janes. “It’s a great sight after all the work volunteers put into planning this tournament.”
“Cheshire isn’t that big, but a lot of teams come here for the tournament,” said Cheshire U-14 player Bill Janes, who has been playing the CIT for three to four years.
Five fields across Quinnipiac Park were packed with games throughout the weekend. Norwalk (U-11), Naugatuck (U-12), Shelton Sting (U-13/14), NECONN (U-16), and Hamden (U-19) came away with their respective age division titles. Each 10-U team was guaranteed four games with 25-minute halves, while other teams played at least three despite steady rain on Sunday morning.
“We had a lot of rain, but these fields drain really well,” explained Janes. “This is one of the best soccer facilities in the state.”
Each division split teams between sub brackets and after playing through round robin style, the top team in each group played for the championship. Two teams from Shelton competed for the U-13/14 title, while the U-11 (3-2; overtime) and U-19 (5-4; penalty kicks) title games required more than regulation. The U-19 game between Hamden and West Haven was separated by a single penalty kick.
“The game was scoreless through regulation and penalty kicks,” explained Rob Janes. “It was the best match I’ve seen in two years.”
Cheshire was also well represented in their hometown tournament. A local team competed in the U-11, 12, 13-14, and 19 divisions each.
“It’s huge. There a level of pride for the (Cheshire Soccer) Club,” said Rob Janes, of seeing local youngsters represent the town. “A lot of these kids go on to play at the high school together and some are actually playing there now.”
“I like playing against older teams,” said Tommy Conlon, a center defensive mid-fielder for the Cheshire U-11 team. “I think it makes you better.”
Bill Janes, a striker/mid-fielder, feels that his team communicates well on the field. The U-13/14 team lost a game and settled for two draws over the weekend.
“It’s good exercise, fun, and get to challenge yourself,” said Bill Janes, of playing soccer.
The sport is something families can share as well. Local brothers Nick and Matt Weimer play for the U-10 and U-13/14 teams respectively.
“I like it’s competitive and you can meet new friends at the same time,” explained center mid-fielder Matt Weimer.
While not playing for a championship, a pair of Cheshire U-10 teams enjoy simply playing the sport. Nick Weimer uses concentration to direct his defense as goalkeeper.
“It’s important to find the ball,” Nick Weimer said. “These teams are really good. They shoot the ball hard.”