HARTFORD, C.T. — Mission accomplished. Masuk High’s girls soccer team captured the program’s first State Championship with a 2-1 win over North Haven in the Class L title game at Trinity Health Stadium on a rainy Saturday night.
The No. 2 Panthers came back from a 1-0 deficit to edge No. 5 North Haven. Tiny Fabryk’s goal tied things on a terrific shot from outside the box with four minutes left in the opening half. It was 1-1 at the break.
Just like the semifinals for both teams, each of which went into overtime, this matchup was headed for a dramatic finish. Elyse Smith netted the winner, assisted by Claire Fulchino, with just five minutes to go in regulation, and the Panthers held on. The decisive goal was set up when Fabryk took a free kick that was stopped by North Haven’s goalkeeper. Fulchino got control of the loose ball and made a short pass to Smith who knocked the ball in from close range.
A handful of minutes later the Panthers celebrated and history was made. This is an accomplishment that has been more than decade in the making beginning when the team members first stepped foot on a soccer field.
“What does it mean to win the state title with this group of girls? More than words. The senior class has been playing together since they were five years old and to see them come together tonight after going down a goal early and never give up was absolutely incredible, and I’m so proud of them,” Masuk Coach Katy Kreiner said.
Ella McGee, who scored both goals — including the overtime winner — in the semifinals, earned MVP honors.
“It just feels surreal honestly. For this to be the first time in history, and for the seniors especially, to go out like this we couldn’t be more proud of every single girl on this team,” McGee said.
