Hall Boys Bring Home Class LL Soccer Title for Second Time in 5 Years - We-Ha

West Hartford’s Hall High School beat Stamford High Saturday night in the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Class LL championship game.

Diego Lemes De Souza (21) scored the only goal of the game, assisted by Luis Bravo (8) and Jack Delores (11). Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ted Newton. Photos by Ronni Newton

A quick turnaround shot into the upper left net three minutes into the game by Diego Lemes De Souza stood as the game winner, as Hall claimed its second Class LL championship in five years on a cold Saturday night at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford.

The sophomore’s goal, assisted by seniors Luis Bravo and Jack Deloreto, sailed past the outstretched arms of the Stamford High goalie and gave the Titans a 1-0 lead they had to defend vigorously for the next 77 minutes as the Black Knights had numerous chances to tie it up throughout the rest of the game. Titans junior Quinn Freeman made several diving saves during first half, and an apparent goal by Black Knights senior Mateusz Gazdzicki with 15 minutes left in the half was disqualified due to him being offside.

Hall goalie Quinn Freeman. Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The No. 14 seed Black Knights played with good spacing and crisp passing, and their aggressive play throughout the second half had the Hall midfielders and defensemen back on their heels. About 10 minutes into the half, Titans senior Luis Bravo saved the day by standing resolutely on the goal line and heading a Stamford direct shot away from danger after Freeman fell down in front of the net.

Luis Bravo. Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

With 10 minutes to go, play became increasingly chippy, with both teams knowing the importance of each possession. With about 2 minutes left on the clock, and with the Black Knights having a direct kick some 30 yards away from the Titans’ goal, they brought all players up field, including their goalie. As the kick sailed toward Hall goal, the Black Knights’ goalie actually got his head on the ball, but Freeman was able to make the save.

Hall players celebrate after winning the state championship. Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

That crisis averted, the Titans made use of the long ball to use up the clock. As it turned to 0:00, the Titans’ bench erupted onto the field and joined their teammates in a euphoric collapse on the turf to celebrate their win.

“Our motto is together we will get it done,” exclaimed Hall coach Zeke Seguro. “We’re grinders, and fight with determination. It’s a great team, with great players. They fight for one another. Our chemistry was off the charts. They were so cohesive,” he said.

“At halftime, we talked about needing to be more aggressive, since Stamford would be as well. We’re very fortunate they couldn’t break the goal line,” said Seguro.

Hall coach Zeke Seguro (right) and the team celebrate after winning the Class LL state championship. Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The Titans have played in four of the last five championships – losing to Glastonbury 1-0 in 2018, beating Greenwich 3-1 in 2019, and then losing to Greenwich 3-2 in penalty kicks (4-3) last year. (There was no championship game in 2020.) “To lose the way we did last year, it was heartbreaking” said Seguro. “But I thought we had enough to get through to [the championship game], and this team proved me right. In the end, they did what I thought they could do.”

De Souza was named MVP of the game.

Hall, a No. 5 seed entering the tournament, beat Darien 2-1, Brien McMahon 2-1 (overtime), Hamden 1-0, and Fairfield Ludlowe 1-0, ending the 2023 season with a 15-3-3 record including the playoffs.

Hall coach Zeke Seguro with game MVP Diego Lemes De Souza. Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

John Hunt (7) and Gabe Sisk (20). Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Fareed Abu Rabia. Hall vs. Stamford Class LL Championship. Nov. 18, 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton