2002
BOYS SOCCER
Norwalk works overtime for first FCIAC title, defeats Ridgefield 1-0
By Ron Jones
Displaying the patience that even Job would've been proud of, the Norwalk High School boys soccer team returned to the FCIAC title game after 32 years. Thanks to a overtime goal by sophomore Steve Cenatiempo, the Bears won their first Title in the school's history at Testa Field. Cenatiempo's 14th goal of the season came with 3:22 left in the second and overtime period and climaxed a four year run to respectability for Norwalk Soccer.
Norwalk won just four games the year before coach Kurt Simonsen and 10 seniors came to Norwalk four years ago. After experiencing tough times for the first two years, they almost qualified for the FCIAC playoffs, falling short in the final week. However, all of the hard work paid off for them on this magical night according to Simonsen, "I say it all the time, the seniors were rewarded for what they've done. They changed the face of Norwalk soccer. This is kind of indescribable. I don't have the word for it. For me, I' ll be back next year. For those kids over there, this was a big opportunity for them."
The Bears, by defeating Greenwich in the semifinals and Ridgefield in the finals, avenged their only two regular season losses. Simonsen used the losses as a motivational tool adding, " That was a big incentive, it's certainly sweet to beat the teams that beat us."
Cenatiempo's goal was assisted by fellow sophomore Dean Melitsanopoulos set off an emotional celebration in which he embraced senior Luis Hernandez and told him, " I told Luis that I did it for him and I loved him. It's great for the seniors. they worked hard all four years."
Ridgefield (13-3-2) came into the Finals undefeated in their last 13 matches (11-0-2) but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities due to poor decision making or hot goaltending. Fortunately for Norwalk now (16-2), one was enough and worth the long wait, " You talk about a back and forth game. both teams should have scored a couple of goals. this was a great final, and I would have said that win or lose."
Cenatiempo echoed his coach's sentiments, " This was a great win for us and it was well worth the wait. Well worth it. Definitely. I've dreamed of a moment like this."
Who said dreams don't come true?
FINAL STANDINGS
WESTERN FCIAC-OVERALL
1) WESTHILL (13-1-0) (13-1-0)
2) GREENWICH (7-3-3) (7-3-3)
3) STAMFORD (8-4-1) (8-4-1)
4) BPT.CENTRAL(7-6-0) (7-6-0)
5) FAIRFIELD (6-6-1) (6-6-1)
6) DANBURY (4-6-1) (4-6-1)
CENTRAL
1) NORWALK (12-1-0) (12-1-0) * FCIAC CHAMPION
2) RIDGEFIELD (9-2-2) (9-2-2) * Runner-up
3) STAPLES (7-3-3) (7-3-3)
4) TRUMBULL (5-8-1) (5-8-1)
5) MCMAHON (2-9-0) (2-9-0)
6) HARDING (0-12-0) (0-12-0)
EASTERN
1) NEW CANAAN (8-3-3) (8-3-3)
2) ST. JOSEPH (7-4-0) (7-4-0)
3) WILTON (6-7-1) (6-7-1)
4) TRINITY (3-9-0) (3-9-0)
5) DARIEN (2-12-0) (2-12-0)
6) BASSICK (0-11-0) (0-11-0)