After a move up to Class LL and graduating just one senior, the girls soccer team has made their name known across the state as competitors to make a run in the tournament. Last season, the team had a magical run in the state tournament as the 16 seed, however, fell short in the State Championship game, losing to Tolland 2-0. They will enter the Class LL tournament as a lower seed, and with more wins than just one year ago.

Currently ranked nine in the state, they hold a record of nine wins, one loss, and two ties, drawing a tie against the, at the time, number one ranked team in New England. With a large roster of 24 players, consisting of 15 seniors, there has been no shortage of experience and determination to finish where they left off. This team is captained by nine seniors, including Alexa Scott who had this to say about the upcoming tournament.

“Last year’s run in the tournament was no mistake. It came from the same dedication, talent, and work rate we returned to our team this season, which we plan to continue with heading into the playoffs. Every game, Coach tells us: ‘It’s Farmington’s day today.’ We definitely want to keep that mindset, strike early, play for each other, and make a statement in the postseason this year. Winning a championship is our ultimate goal,” Scott said.

Fellow senior Sia Goel has been around the program for four years and loves the culture that the team brings along each and every day.

“When the team sets their mind to something they get it. The culture is a culmination of people’s love for the sport of soccer and our drive to win. Competitiveness is key, but we also know how to have a good time and lift each other up. Every day I am witness to all types of leadership on display. It is a team of leaders. This is what leads to
our success: the people and their mindsets,” Goel said.

Senior captain Carolyn Ives has started for the varsity team for four years, at both goalie and center back, and she credits the teams chemistry for the strong start.

“Most of us have been playing with each other since the youth days, and have really bought into the team first motto since it is our last year. We have been able to avoid all egos, and really focus on the tasks ahead. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the Class LL tournament,” Ives said.

The team is coached by second-year coach Max Fantl, who has had no shortage of success during his stint as head coach, with a winning percentage of 72.72 percent and a career record of 21-6-6.

“Coach Fantl has been the perfect coach for us. He clearly knows what he is doing, and because of his success, we are able to trust him and he is able to trust us. It is has been a lot of fun to play under such a smart coach, and he really knows how to connect with the team. He has high standards for us and pushes us to reach those,” Scott said.

Notable scores throughout the year that have caused for optimism this season is the 3-0 victory over Class LL opponent
Simsbury on September 24, a 4-1 win over Conard, who will also qualify for the tournament, and sandwiched in the middle of an eight-game win streak is an 8-1 win over Enfield. Along with these victories is a well fought 1-0 loss to Glastonbury and a 2-2 tie to a good Southington team.

As the team enters the tournament, although one of the favorites, there is no lack of competition. The number one ranked team in the state, Southington, as well as Glastonbury, Ridgefield, and St. Josephs are all teams to watch out for. It is likely that the girls will host the first round of the state tournament although the dates have not yet been announced.