By Anne White
The New Canaan girls’ soccer team delivered a masterclass in postseason play, capping a perfect 8-0 run through the CIAC Class L tournament with a 1-0 victory over Sacred Heart Academy on Sunday at Trinity Health Stadium. The win not only secured their first state championship in 15 years but also showcased the very qualities that fueled the Rams’ remarkable turnaround after a 1-2 start to the season.
With a final record of 19-3-1, the Rams closed out their year with 11 consecutive matches without a loss. Their success was built on a foundation of defensive strength, consistent goalkeeping, and a dynamic midfield—all tied together by an offense sparked by sophomore standout Clare Greisen.
The decisive moment came early in the match, in the ninth minute, as Greisen scored her ninth goal of the tournament. A perfectly weighted ball from senior forward Paige Place split Sacred Heart’s defense, finding Greisen in stride. The sophomore delivered a clean, one-touch volley past the Sacred Heart goalkeeper, giving New Canaan a lead that their defense ensured would hold for the remainder of the match.
New Canaan’s defense, a veteran-laden unit anchored by seniors Ceci Patterson, Emma Row, Kate Kupchak, and Lilah Donaldson, was impenetrable once again. In a season defined by its defensive identity, the Rams allowed just three goals across five tournament matches. Goalkeeper Chrysoula Gabriel rose to the occasion in the final, making a critical diving save in the second half to deny Sacred Heart’s best chance to equalize. Her steady presence and command of the box complemented a back line that consistently smothered Sacred Heart’s attacks.
Sacred Heart Academy pushed harder in the second half, looking for an equalizer, but New Canaan’s defense never wavered. The Sharks’ most dangerous opportunity came midway through the half, but a perfectly timed tackle by Patterson broke up the play before Gabriel was called into action. Any remaining threats were handled with composure by the Rams, who absorbed the late pressure and transitioned effectively to keep the ball out of their own half.
On offense, New Canaan nearly doubled their lead late in the game. Greisen came within inches of a second goal when her shot ricocheted off the crossbar. Moments later, she orchestrated another chance, threading a pass to freshman Riley Schlafman, whose shot forced a strong save from Sacred Heart’s goalkeeper.
New Canaan’s success in the tournament was not a surprise to those who followed their dominant postseason performances. The Rams entered the tournament as the seventh seed but carried the momentum of their first outright FCIAC title in 15 years. Their path to the Class L final included a 4-0 win over Woodstock Academy, a 3-1 quarterfinal victory against Ledyard, and a 3-1 semifinal triumph over Guilford. In each match, the Rams showcased their depth, balance, and ability to execute under pressure.
The midfield, led by juniors Emma Prior and Phoebe Schuh, controlled the pace of play throughout the championship match, winning 50-50 balls and distributing effectively to the attack. Their ability to connect the defensive line with the forwards ensured that New Canaan maintained possession for long stretches, keeping Sacred Heart’s offense at bay.
Greisen’s contributions have been transformative for New Canaan this season. A transfer from Sacred Heart Greenwich, her ability to deliver in clutch moments added a new dimension to the Rams’ attack. Her nine goals in the tournament underscored her impact, but it was the team’s collective effort that ultimately secured the championship.
