WOODBURY — The Nonnewaug boys soccer team has been having a positive season so far, finishing the regular season with a 10-1-5 record. The team finished second in the Berkshire League behind Shepaug.
Durkin Stankevich, a senior defensive back on the team, admitted that both Shepaug and third-place Northwestern — the team that the Chiefs will host in Friday’s BL tournament semifinals — are “solid teams with a really good offense.”
Stankevich said the Chiefs have a chance to advance to their first BL tournament final because of their work ethic.
“I think we will do great the rest of the season and the postseason because we’ve got the most heart,” Stankevich said.
Joshua Kornblut, the team’s assistant coach, is happy with how the team collects themselves with all the challenges that they face.
“One of the biggest challenges for us has been getting certain guys to step up and fill roles,” Kornblut said. “With most of our goal scorers having graduated, we have needed some young guys to fill some new roles and find creative ways to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Kornblut also said that they have a lot of achievements but their biggest one is their defense.
“Defensively we have been strong,” Kornblut said. “We have done a great job keeping other teams off the scoreboard, which always gives us a chance to win, especially as we get into the postseason. The effort from our guys has been unmatched, day in and day out.”
Senior goalie Matthew Shupenis feels the team camaraderie has been a strength this year.
“I feel like our team chemistry is really great and has been one of the best we’ve had in all four years I’ve been at Nonnewaug,” Shupenis said. “From the competitiveness during practices and hanging out with each other out of school, these things have helped us with our successes on the field.”
