NEW CANAAN, Conn. The New Canaan High boys lacrosse team erased a four-goal halftime deficit, exploding for 10 goals in the second half, to defeat defending champion Ridgefield, 11-9, in Fridays conference title game.
Matt Blasco netted four goals and Peter Kraus scored the game-winner with just less than five minutes to play to clinch the Rams first conference championship since 2003.
This team just never gave up, and you could see that with the senior leadership. Kids just kept stepping up and making plays, New Canaans Mike Bossidy said. We were a little bummed out at the half, but we huddled up and said theres no way were losing this game. This is what you work for all season.
The Rams had been denied in four championship games in the last nine years. For a while, it seemed as if the trend would continue.
New Canaan came out sluggish in the first half as Ridgefield held the Rams to one goal. Tigers goalie Adam Winne kept New Canaan at bay in the first two quarters, saving five Rams shots.
Then something clicked for New Canaan. The Rams bolted out of the gate in the third quarter, and Blasco and Jack Bratches combined on three goals in the first three minutes.
The momentum shifted in New Canaans favor at the close of the third with a showcase of teamwork. Kevin McDonough launched a deep pass down the field to Whesley Rudy, who found Bossidy. He then quickly passed to Peter Richardson, who cut Ridgefields lead to one with nine seconds left in the quarter.
The game was all New Canaan from there, as the Rams outscored Ridgefield, 10-4, in the second half. The Rams took the lead for good with 10 minutes to play, holding off the Tigers.
New Canaan (13-3) will now try to return to the Class M state finals. Ranked third, the Rams will host either Bunnell or Pomperaug on Wednesday in a 4:30 p.m. game.
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