Thunder echoes: U11 team from OGRCC repeats as CT Cup champs

On Saturday, June 16, the Old Greenwich Riverside Community Center (OGRCC) U11 Boys Thunder Blue played against Farmington Force in the finals of the CT Cup -- a state-wide tournament that started in May with 62 teams.

The Thunder was first to score when left back Noah Sorensen converted on a free kick into the back of the net on the short side of the goal midway through the first half.

The Force tied the game at one apiece during stoppage time at the end of the half. Both teams had several scoring opportunities in the second half of the game and during the two overtime periods, but with two strong defenses and outstanding goalkeeping, the game ended in a 1-1 tie, thus creating co-champions.

It was the second CT championship in a row for the Thunder, a very difficult feat to accomplish, according to their coach, Jorge Acosta.

But the team didn't rest on its laurels.

The day after securing the CT Cup trophy, the Thunder completed their undefeated season by topping Monroe United 2-0. Midway through the first half of that contest, Thunder midfielder Benjamin Hickman found Thomas Streiff streaking up the right side.

Two touches later, Streiff delivered the ball to the right corner of the net, passing Monroe's keeper for Thunder's first goal.

Early in the second half, Javier Fonseca found the back of the net, giving the Thunder a 2 to nil advantage.

Strong defensive play behind midfielders Mateo Rivero, Elliot Carlson and Kai Lammers along with defensive backs Noah Sorensen, Owen DeOliveira and Sasha Burnett prevented Monroe from mounting any strong attacks on goalkeeper Alvaro Ramos.