You wouldn't know it from watching today's game, but back in April the Bobcats actually beat the red-hot Rebels. Now, New Fairfield is playing on a whole new level, reaching their full potential and firing on all cylinders in their statement win over conference power Brookfield. Led by Morgan LaBarbera's six goals and four assists, the underclassman-heavy Rebels showed their maturity in avenging the early-season loss.
Coming off a triple-overtime thriller in the quarterfinals over arch-rival New Milford, the Rebels had all the swagger and confidence of a champion. After a slow start, the 1-1 tie quickly escalated to a 10-3 New Fairfield advantage. The Bobcats looked like they may still have a bit of fight left in them when they scored two straight goals, but their "comeback" was short-lived as they gave up two more scores to go into halftime down 12-5.
In the second half the Rebels held down the hapless Bobcats, emphasizing their total control by scoring first and maintaining their strangehold on the Bobcats' vaunted offense. As if to tease their opponent, the Rebels allowed their lead to shrink to 6, winning 14-8 with fifteen minutes left. The final nails in Brookfield's coffin were three straight goals allowed creating an insurmountable nine goal deficit with only four minutes left. With the game in hand, Coach Robusto's squad let up enough for their opponent to score a meaningless goal and lose 17-9, exiting the tournament with just a shred of pride.
New Fairfield is a classic case of a team getting hot at the right time, everyone is playing their best all season and it feels like a team destined to win a championship. No matter who wins the other semifinal, the Rebels will have to beat another team they lost to in the regular season, having fallen to both Immaculate and Newtown. However, after today's performance New Fairfield may not be challenged again until late in the state playoffs.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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