Da Bears are da best: Norwalk captures Class LL boys soccer crown

Written by Dave Stewart
Friday, 23 November 2012 22:00

The Norwalk Bears ended three seasons of playoff frustrations as they blanked the Fairfield Prep Jesuits, 2-0, to claim the CIAC Class LL boys soccer championship in front of a packed house Friday morning at Dunning Field in New Canaan.

It was the Bears’ first State title since 1966.

Norwalk, the No. 1 seed in Class LL, finished the season with a record of 21-1-1. The Bears also earned an FCIAC crown this season, and finished as the nation’s No. 7- ranked team, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

“These kids have been through so much and overcome a lot of adversity," Norwalk head coach Chris Laughton told MSG Varsity’s Jesse Quinlan. “I’m really proud of them, celebrating this moment with their family and friends is something they'll remember for the rest of their lives.”

Fairfield Prep, the No. 3 team in Class LL, finished with a record of 20-3-1. The Jesuits were bidding for their first state championship.

Norwalk broke a scoreless duel in the 31st minute, after Andrew Melitsanopoulos, who was taken down in the box to earn a penalty kick. The defender fired the ball into the top right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

The Jesuits stayed tough after that, as the score remained 1-0 until the Bears doubled their advantage in the 78th minute. Nacho Navarro scored that second goal with an assist from Kevin Joslyn.

The Class LL championship game will be broadcast on MSG Varsity, IO channel 14, on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Story and photo links

MSG Varsity: Norwalk blanks Prep in Class LL finals

MSG Varsity Photo Gallery by David Hahn

The Hour: Norwalk High boys capture state soccer championship

The Advocate: Norwalk defeats Fairfield Prep, claims Class LL boys soccer crown