The Hall High School boys soccer team hosted defending Class M State Champion Tolland in West Hartford on Wednesday afternoon.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Ryan Leef. Photos by Craig Rosenberg

The Hall High School boys varsity soccer team opened their 2025 season with defensive grit and resilience on Wednesday afternoon, holding defending Class M State Champion Tolland to a scoreless draw in West Hartford.

From the opening whistle, Hall looked sharp on both ends of the pitch, creating early pressure and nearly striking with a shot just off target. Later in the first half, Tolland ramped up its aggression, forcing the Titans to take waves of attacks. Hall was able to earn a free kick just outside the penalty box, but the opportunity fizzled, as did the Tolland counter attack, setting the tone for the entire game.

The game settled into the middle third for long stretches, with neither side able to break through. Tolland picked up two yellow cards before halftime, while Hall failed to capitalize on a pair of free kicks. All possible shots were denied by strong goalkeeping.

Tolland emerged from halftime on the front foot, testing Hall’s back line with relentless pressure. Senior goalkeeper Rodrigo Ballesteros rose to the challenge, making a pair of amazing saves in quick succession, including a diving stop on a penalty kick following a careless foul in the box.

Despite Tolland’s control of possession, the Titians’ defense refused to break. Ballesteros made four more crucial saves in the final 10 minutes as Tolland pushed forward in search of a winner.

Hall created a few half-chances of their own, including a dangerous cross late in the second half, but couldn’t finish.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 0-0 – a testament to Hall’s defensive heroics and a frustrating statement for Tolland as it begins its Class M title defense.

Hall will look to build on its defensive performance, taking on Trumbull over the weekend during the Connecticut High School Soccer Challenge at FSA, and when it travels to Farmington on Sept. 8.

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