Conard hosted a first-r0und CIAC Class LL girls soccer game in West Hartford on Nov. 7, but exited the tournament after a 1-0 overtime loss to New Canaan.

Sports reporting is sponsored by Keating Agency Insurance

By Jacob Fukuyama

An electric but scoreless game took place at Conard on Saturday, Nov. 7, until overtime, when New Canaan took the 1-0 lead and held on to to beat Conard in the first round of the CIAC Class LL girls soccer tournament. 

Conard and New Canaan contend for the ball. Conard vs. New Canaan. CIAC Class LL first round. Nov. 7, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

The first half kicked off with explosive energy from both Conard and New Canaan, with both teams playing both offense and defense extremely well. Both teams took very good shots, however they were all blocked by the opposing team’s spectacular goalies.

“I think the game was very back-and-forth,” said Conard head coach PJ Louis. “You know, I think they had a little bit better play to start the game, and then for about most of the first half, I thought we had the better play.” 

Conard kicks the ball downfield. Conard vs. New Canaan. CIAC Class LL first round. Nov. 7, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

The second half picked up right where the first half left off, and both teams continued to be back and forth, however also like the first half, neither team was able to score a goal, sending the game into overtime. 

Conard and New Canaan chase airborne ball. Conard vs. New Canaan. CIAC Class LL first round. Nov. 7, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

Overtime started with a bang for New Canaan, with them scoring an early goal, setting the bar for Conard to match. However, Conard was not able to make an opening during the first overtime period, leaving New Canaan’s goal unanswered at 1-0 into the second period of overtime. 

New Canaan’s goalie saves a shot. Conard vs. New Canaan. CIAC Class LL first round. Nov. 7, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

New Canaan’s defense shined throughout the second half of overtime, mostly keeping Conard away from their goal until the last few minutes, setting Conard up for a last-second goal to tie up the match. Conard set up for the goal to tie the game, but wasn’t able to take the shot, ending the game 1-0, giving New Canaan the win and the chance to advance in the tournament where they face Notre Dame Prep on Tuesday. 

Conard entered the tournament as a No. 12 seed, with a regular season record of 9-2-5. New Canaan, which had a regular season record of 4-6-5, was seeded 21st.

Saturday was Conard’s first time hosting a home CIAC tournament in nearly two decades – since the 2007 season. The Red Wolves missed the tournament in 2025, but made recent appearances in 2024 and 2019. The most recent first round win was in 2015.

Conard at New Canaan’s goal. Conard vs. New Canaan. CIAC Class LL first round. Nov. 7, 2026. Photo credit: Jacob Fukuyama

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