The New Canaan girls soccer team remained undefeated and unscored upon this season but could not pull out a win against Westhill. In a battle of defending state champions in their respective classes Thursday, the Vikings largely dominated time of possession and kept the Rams offense in check. New Canaan was happy to avoid the loss but was a bit disappointed with the 0-0 tie.
"The kids knew the scenario and knew they were playing a state champion," New Canaan head coach Kirk Bamford said. "Although that was last year, it does add to the spectacle when it's two defending state champions. If you can't get up to play a state champion, you shouldn't be playing the sport."
New Canaan goalkeeper Holly Burwick was stellar in net, saving nine shots on goal, including a diving stop to her right late in the second half to keep the scoreless tie intact. The Rams offense was fairly flat throughout the game, coming up with just four shots on goal. Their best chance came late in the second half when Anna Borea rocketed a free kick from 30 yards out that hit the crossbar. The Rams were called offsides on the ensuing rebound, however, nullifying the threat.
"We've been working hard defensively, but we've been making more mistakes lately, myself included," Burwick said. "It ended up being kind of anticlimactic. We obviously wanted to win this one, but we won't let this affect our momentum."
New Canaan will have its toughest test of the year in a Columbus Day morning matchup against FCIAC West Division leaders, Greenwich. The tie drops New Canaan to second place in the FCIAC East standings behind Darien.
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