The Conard boys soccer team hosted Simsbury on Thursday afternoon in West Hartford.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Stephen Lynch. Photos by Jacob Fukuyama

Thursday afternoon Conard faced Simsbury at home in an all important varsity soccer Central Connecticut Conference regular season game. Conard came out on top, with a final score of 2-0.

The Red Wolves maintained strong control on the overall ball handling and created numerous opportunities on goal from the start of this game – but a couple of chances were stopped by the Simsbury keeper. Conard head coach Greg Smedberg, commented that their identity as a team was all about “high energy,””possession,” and “chance creation” – which was reflected in Thursday’s game.

Conard vs. Simsbury boys soccer. Oct. 1, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

During the 58th minute of the game there was a strong head-on collision between a Conard and Simsbury player. Seconds after play continued Conard’s #15 Alvin Mani managed to score from a close range shot on the right side after the Simsbury defense was caught sleeping.

Conard vs. Simsbury boys soccer. Oct. 1, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

As the second half continued Conard held most of the possession and creation. Conard missed a huge chance in the middle of the second half, however. There was a low cross hit just a few feet from goal which was narrowly blocked and saved by the keeper in the chaos.

Conard vs. Simsbury boys soccer. Oct. 1, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

Simsbury was not able to keep the Red Wolves at bay much longer, however, as Conard’s #9, Ray Hilario, had a great strike on target and scored in the 85th minute, sealing the game.

Mike McCullough, the head coach for the Simsbury team remarked that “for most of the game the team was compact and defended well.” While that was a strength in Thursday’s game, Simsbury needed to work on “creating more quality chances,” their coach said.

Conard vs. Simsbury boys soccer. Oct. 1, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

Conard (4-1-3) will next travel across town to meet fellow West Hartford team Northwest Catholic High School on Monday afternoon, and Wednesday night will face Lewis Mills in Burlington.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.