New Canaan High School’s girls’ soccer team continues to dominate in the postseason, carrying forward the momentum from their recent FCIAC championship win. The Rams’ journey has been nothing short of historic, as they captured their first outright conference title in 15 years, ending St. Joseph’s 59-game unbeaten streak with a tense 1-1 (3-2 PKs) victory. Now, New Canaan is riding that high into the Class L state tournament, where they’ve secured three consecutive wins, including two shutouts, to reach their first state final since 2009.
In Wednesday night’s semifinal match at Foran High School’s Vito DeVito Complex, the ninth-seeded Rams overcame No. 12 Guilford 3-1, securing a spot in the Class L state championship. Clare Greisen, who has become a key offensive threat since joining the Rams, scored twice and assisted on another goal in a performance that underscored her integration into the team. Greisen’s contributions have been pivotal; her seamless transition has amplified New Canaan’s offensive strategy, as she now stands with eight goals in the last four tournament games.
Against Guilford, New Canaan opened the scoring with Greisen’s powerful shot off the far post in the first half. In the second half, Greisen added another goal off an assist from Sydney Patten, who had also delivered the decisive penalty kick in the FCIAC final. Greisen then set up a goal for teammate Phoebe Schuh, helping the Rams secure a commanding lead. Throughout the game, New Canaan’s disciplined defensive line—anchored by seniors Emma Row, Ceci Patterson, Kate Kupchak, and Lilah Donaldson—limited Guilford’s scoring chances, allowing only a single goal late in the second half by Ella Heckler. Goalkeeper Chrys Gabriel recorded four saves, further reinforcing the Rams’ defensive stronghold.
The Rams’ run in the Class L tournament has showcased the same resilience that defined their regular season and FCIAC campaign. Coach Rich Hickson emphasized the importance of focus and consistency, particularly after the emotional high of the FCIAC title. New Canaan began the season with a 1-2 record but rebounded strongly, losing only once more for the rest of the regular season in a match with St. Joseph. This momentum has been crucial as they’ve pushed deeper into the postseason, propelled by a blend of veteran leadership and the fresh energy of new talent like Greisen.
The Rams’ semifinal victory over Guilford was a display of balanced offense and rock-solid defense, hallmarks of their season thus far. Guilford, entering the game with a record of 13-5-4, was held scoreless in the first half, despite the efforts of All-SCC selection Tea Gambardella. Known for her scoring ability, Gambardella was initially positioned on defense to counteract New Canaan’s aggressive offense but moved up top in the second half. Even with this adjustment, Guilford struggled to break through New Canaan’s resilient defense, which has been a critical factor in their playoff success.
With an overall record of 18-3-1, New Canaan now turns its focus to the Class L state championship, where they’ll meet No. 7 seed Sacred Heart Academy on Sunday at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford. Sacred Heart Academy, coming off a narrow 2-1 victory over Woodstock Academy, is expected to be a formidable opponent. The team’s seniors, who faced disappointment in last year’s playoffs, are especially determined to cap their high school careers with a championship.
As they prepare for Sunday’s game, the Rams reflect on a season defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a fierce drive to succeed. Their recent successes and the bonds forged over months of training and competition have solidified a team spirit that’s ready for any challenge. With a season already marked by breaking records and overcoming top-ranked teams, New Canaan heads into the championship poised to bring home another title.
