The Hall boys won both games this season against crosstown West Hartford rival Conard.

Hall’s Sam Sandler watches one of his two goals go on against Conard. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

By Paul Palmer 

Junior Lucas Almeida scored early and often as the Hall boys soccer team shut out Conard 6-0 Monday night to sweep the season series.

Almeida opened the scoring 3 minutes and 1 second into the game when he flicked a header past Conard goalie Aaryan Daswani. The goal was set up when Cyrus Parham’s throw-in landed in the box, and Almeida was waiting to put it home.

Two-and-a-half minutes later it was Almeida again, this time taking a pass in the center of the field and moving past several defenders before letting a shot go inside the penalty area that found the back of the net.

Four minutes later, Almeida was the play maker as he found teammate Sam Sandler who banged it in for the 3-0 lead.

Lucas Almeida of Hall starts his run down the sideline against Conard Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Conard had its best response of the night just 1 minute later when Hall goalie Ty Fairchild was forced to make a strong save on a low shot. Almeida and Sandler would each score again before the end of the half to make it a 5-0 game.

The Chieftains showed plenty of determination despite the score, working hard to try and create offensive chances.

Hall’s backline of Tobey Ruffo, Quinn LaRock, Parham, and Scott Gilden played a calm, clean half, often shutting down a Conard attack, and quickly launching a Hall counterattack.

Quinn LaRock of Hall heads the ball clear against Conard. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

“We like to build from the back,” said Hall head coach Zeke Seguro. “They are very calm, and they keep their shape.”

Hall would get its sixth goal of the night early in the second half after Almeida was tugged down by a Conard defender. On the ensuing free kick, Sandler pushed the ball to the wide side of the box, where Ruffo was able to run onto it, cut inside for a better angle, and beat Daswani.

Colin Wright of Conard takes the free kick against Hall on Monday night. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

With both teams substituting liberally, Conard would continue attacking throughout the second half. Two of the Chieftains’ best chances came from a free kick and a shot off a Hall turnover,  but both sailed over the top of the net.

Hall, which is now 12-0-3 on the season and ranked No. 3 in Class LL and No. 6 in the state, finishes its regular season against Wethersfiled on Thursday. From there they will look to see where they are seeded in the post-season tourney.

“I like our chances, I like where we are headed,” said Seguro. “Class LL is a minefield. There’s so much talent. You can be beat,” added the coach of the defending state champs.

Conard falls to 7-7-2 as the wraps up its regular season play and looks ahead toward the playoffs.

Luke Wadsworth of Conard unloads his shot through a Hall defender. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Copeland Schlatter of Hall holds off a Conard player. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hall defender Tobey Ruffo uses a slide tackle against Conard’s Anthony Catanzaro. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Hall coach Zeke Seguro dons the dyed blond look along with his players. Hall vs. Conard boys soccer. Nov. 1, 2021. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

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