Season Wrap and League Playoff Preview!
Two weeks into November and many of our Wilton teams are still playing soccer! This coming weekend seven (7!) Wilton teams will participate in league semifinals, having qualified as a top four team in their respective divisions. Only U11+ teams have playoffs, while U9-10 developmental seasons have concluded (no standings kept or playoffs for these ages).
League playoffs are another great accomplishment adding to successes in the CT Cup, Labor Day and Columbus Day tournaments too. For a little wider perspective, we thought we’d share some interesting facts about the momentum across the program over the last few years.
Our Wilton Soccer U9+ travel program has grown from 13 teams <5 years ago to now 25 teams
This fall, Our U11+ teams won or tied 56 games (60%+ of total) and netted 250+ goals (~2.5+ per game) in league play
New recent high for CT Cup wins in a season with six … excludes a few matches that went to penalty kicks and did not go our way)
New high for league playoff qualifying teams with seven … “6 Cup wins, 7 playoff qualifiers!” … kids will love this!
The future is bright with 500+ players in our recreational programs this past fall alone
Ah yes, and one more for the record books… WSA teams consumed more than 50 pizzas at WSA’s sponsored end of season celebrations!
2016 and 2015 Boys after a friendly match this past weekend
While we do not focus on results as a program, we are proud that our focus on culture, commitment and consistency has created an environment for growth and success. We challenge players and teams while supporting them with an ecosystem of fully invested coaches, managers and parents that truly care. When families and partners to our teams go “all in” on Wilton Soccer and our groups, our teams thrive.
In addition, our not-for-profit status means we are able to ensure that all players can participate (no financial or logistical challenges) and ensures that multi-sport and activity participation, a critical ingredient for growth, remains both possible and a priority. There is nothing better than playing for your hometown team.
We are more excited than ever about the future of our Wilton Soccer teams. Here’s a rundown of our playoff qualifying teams - let’s get out to support them this coming championship weekend. Semifinals are on Saturday, November 15th and Finals, for those who advance, are Sunday, November 16th.
Read all about Championship Weekend HERE.
Boys 2015 Blue - wrapped their league season with a 5-3 record (3 losses by 2 goals or less), scoring 25 goals and conceding only 14 during the season. This group works hard during practices, gathers often for pickup games and always comes to play on game days. They advanced to the CT Cup quarterfinals, eventually falling to perennial power Old Greenwich in a very close match. They play New Canaan in the league semis in Trumbull on Saturday.
Boys 2014 Blue - another quality season for this group as they won 4, tied 3 and lost only one match during league play, with their one loss coming by just one goal to top seeded Bethel, a team they tied this past weekend in a stalemate that secured their playoff berth. The team also advanced in the CT Cup and won their Columbus Day tournament despite monsoon-like conditions! The team scored 25 goals and gave up only a dozen throughout league play, a surefire formula for success. They’ll try to topple #1 seed Bethel in their Saturday semifinal at West Beach fields in Stamford.
Boys 2011 Blue and 2011 White - Both our 2011 Boys teams have qualified for league playoffs, a tremendous accomplishment and one that bodes well for the future of Wilton Soccer. The two teams combined for 11 wins, 5 ties and zero losses! They scored 53 goals and gave up only half as many. This group is one of the most dedicated and close knit crews across the program, having developed and grown together for nearly an entire youth cycle now. They have proven that time together, on the field, playing pickup, working on skills and growing as a team are X-factors that pay off. Shout out to this group for also hosting our first ever “Election Day Play Day” organizing and leading what many of our 2017/2016 Boys described as “the most fun day of soccer they ever had!”. Our Blue team will play Weston in their Saturday semi, and our White team will take on Brookfield in a “home” match on Lilly Field on Saturday. We’ll be pulling for the double!
Girls 2014 Blue - This squad closed out their league season with a convincing 5-0 win at Danbury to bring their season record to 6-1-1. The team was both prolific on offense and stingy on defense, scoring 30 goals while conceding only 11. In their two tournaments, they had a record of 5-0-2 and outscored opponents 16-1. They won their opening CT Cup match handily vs. East Granby, then thoroughly outplayed eventual semi-finalist Suffield only to fall in PKs by one shot. They will take on a tough New Canaan side on Saturday at West Rocks Field in Norwalk in their league semifinal matchup.
Girls 2013 Blue - Our 2013 Blue side is one we are extremely proud of for their progress and potential. The team re-assembled this season with a talented group ready to compete. The team played in the top division and was competitive in each match. The squad posted a 4-1-3 record by employing an organized style that kept opponents off the scoreboard. The team will play Newtown on Saturday in its semifinal match at Darien High School.
Girls 2011 Blue - And last but not least, our 2011 Blue side is another that has grown together over many years. They are a team through and through, playing hard and always having fun. The team strung together five wins vs. only 3 close losses with every match close. They will play Monroe in their semifinal matchup on Saturday at Westport’s Wakeman turf.
We are very proud of all of our U11+ teams, those mentioned above and all the rest. Each played hard all season — a break here, a goal there, and they also may have been in the playoff picture. Our U9-10 teams across both the boys and girls sides also had impressive seasons. Each U9/10 game is a learning experience and the potential for these groups is super high. The strength of Wilton Soccer is not one team or one age group, it is the collective — the whole of us buying into our belief in each other, our players, their coaches and our teams. Each team is a part of something much bigger.
Let’s get out and support our playoff teams this weekend — cheer on our blue and white (respectfully!)…
#WEAREWILTONSOCCER #ONETOWNONETEAM
Finally, a few reminders:
Thank your team managers and coaches! They put in countless hours to make it all happen for our teams. Wilton Soccer is built on a strong foundation of coaches and vols who show up and deliver every single season! Thank you!
We will be delivering our $4,500 donation to Pink Aid (a new record!). This is 100% of the donations received as part of our pink socks in October effort for Breast Cancer Awareness month, great work team!
Late Fall Soccer is every Tuesday through December (first session moved to Thurs 11/13). Your player must be registered to participate. More info HERE
Winter Soccer
Registration for our Tots/PreK and K-2nd clinics are open. Click HERE to register.
Registration for Travel team winter training will open soon. We’ll have sessions for each age group during the week and on Sundays.
Spring season (Travel Soccer)
Will begin in late March and early April
Westport WIN Tournament (Mar 21 for Boys, Mar 22 for Girls). Please update your player’s availability fin the TeamSnap event on your calendar.
Please reach out to your team managers, or Coach Dave, if you have any questions, or if you are interested to possibly join a Travel soccer team
Spring Rec Soccer (Tots/PreK, K-2nd and 3-8th) registration will open in December
Have a happy, healthy and relaxing holiday season ahead, you have earned it!
2011 boys after a hard fought match (shoutout to Coach Edwin who also coaches our Wilton High School Varsity team which advanced to the State tournament this season!)
2017 Girls celebrating their first ever season together!