West Hartford’s Hall High School boys soccer team traveled to top-seeded Naugatuck for a Class LL quarterfinal match-up, and came home with a 3-0 shutout win.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Savannah Cote

Defeating an undefeated team is no easy task.

Doing it in a playoff game – and with a shutout – is even harder. Yet, the Hall Titans boys’ soccer team did exactly that in the quarterfinals of the CIAC Class LL State Tournament, pulling off one of the biggest wins in program history. Hall stunned the top-seeded and previously-undefeated Naugatuck Greyhounds with a dominant 3-0 victory Thursday night to punch their ticket to the semifinals.

Naugatuck entered the matchup with a perfect 19-0 record, including a 15-0 regular season, and was the number-one-ranked team in Class LL. But Hall proved they could compete with – and defeat – the very best teams in the state. From the opening whistle, the Titans came out energized and ready to battle, showing both composure and intensity on both sides of the ball.

Head coach Zeke Seguro praised his players for their focus and resilience. “Naugatuck is a very tough team,” Seguro said after the game. “But I think the boys rose to the challenge.”

Hall’s offense struck first just about 10 minutes into the game. Off a well-placed corner kick, Lincoln Bush found the back of the net to give the Titans an early 1-0 lead. That goal set the tone for what would become one of Hall’s most complete performances of the season.

Lincoln Bush is attempting a free kick. Hall vs. Tolland CCC championship. Oct. 28, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote (we-ha.com file photo)

After taking the lead, Hall’s defense went to work. Captain Benjamin Goldstein anchored the back line, breaking up multiple Naugatuck attacks and keeping the Greyhounds’ top scorers in check. Goalkeeper Rodrigo Ballesteros also played a key role, making several clutch saves to preserve the lead as Naugatuck tried to build momentum.

Before the halftime whistle, Hall doubled its advantage. Aiden Winiarski scored the second goal of the match, assisted by Jeremi Palma Mena, giving the Titans a 2-0 cushion heading into the break. The goal gave Hall even more confidence as they entered the second half, determined to finish strong.

Only four minutes after play resumed, Hall struck again – and it was Winiarski once more. This time, he created the chance himself, firing a shot from about ten yards out that sailed past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0. That goal effectively sealed the game, but Hall’s defense ensured there would be no comeback attempt.

Ballesteros continued to shine in the net, recording several remarkable saves to secure the shutout. Defenders Marco Leonidas and Goldstein came up with key clearances, frustrating Naugatuck’s offensive pushes and preserving the clean sheet.

As the final whistle blew, the Titans celebrated an upset that few outside the team thought possible. They had not only defeated the tournament’s top seed but had done it in commanding fashion – with grit, teamwork, and heart.

Hall will now advance to the Class LL semifinals, where they will face another powerhouse: No. 4-ranked Staples, which went 14-2 in the regular season. The semifinal, held at a neutral site, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 7 p.m. at Newtown High School.

Despite the challenge ahead, Coach Seguro expressed confidence in his team. “Staples is a great team,” he said. “But we’re up for the challenge. One game at a time.”

Head coach Zeke Seguro is coaching his team during halftime. Hall vs. Brien McMahon boys soccer. Class LL second round. Nov. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Savannah Cote (we-ha.com file photo)

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