Xavier’s start to the soccer season was worth the wait.
The Falcons, opening later than all other area teams, overcame a “rough” first 40 minutes to defeat host Cheshire 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Brady Stevenson scored a goal and assisted Finn Russell’s score as Xavier won its season opener for the fourth consecutive year. Ryan Gerry had the assist on Stevenson’s goal.
“It was a rough first half, probably first-game jitters,” Falcons coach Brian Fitzgerald said. “But we made some adjustments and played better in the second half. Getting the first game and win under our belt is always nice.”
Xavier keeper Spencer Misenti finished the night with 5 saves.
Marcello Pannone was assisted by Jack Markarian for Cheshire’s goal. Rams keeper Andres Diosa had 2 saves.
Xavier plays its first home match Friday against Wilbur Cross at Larry McHugh Field (6:30pm).
Around the county on Tuesday:
Girls Soccer
Portland 2, Old Lyme 2
Highlights: Cam DiMauro scored 2 goals in the first half for the Highlanders, but Old Lyme rallied in the second for a Shoreline Conference draw in Portland. Stephanie Mauro and Ali Kyle scored for the Wildcats. Hannah Brunk assisted on one of DiMauro’s goals. Portland outshot Old Lyme 13-10.
Next matches: Portland (1-0-1) hosts Hale-Ray on Sept. 21 (3:45pm); Old Lyme (1-0-2) hosts Old Saybrook on Sept. 21 (3:45).
Haddam-Killingworth 1, Old Saybrook 0
Highlights: Yumi Imai scored in the second half off an assist from Hadley Commerford to lift the Cougars to victory. Leah Sosnoski, Leah Chester, Caroline Conte, Mariella Fulcher and Sierra Hajek played well on the defensive end, coach Mike Shea said. Sophia Torello had 3 saves for H-K, while Old Saybrook’s Abby Colella had 12 saves.
Next matches: H-K (2-1) hosts Avon on Saturday (10am); Old Saybrook (1-1) visits North Branford on Thursday (6pm).
Coginchaug 0, Cromwell 0
Highlights: Cromwell keeper Lily Kenney stopped 10 shots in a Shoreline match in Durham. Emma Samperi had 4 saves for the Blue Devils. Coginchaug outshot Cromwell 10-4.
Next matches: Coginchaug (1-0-1) hosts Capital Prep on Thursday (3:45pm); Cromwell (2-0-1) hosts Morgan on Friday (3:45).
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Morgan 7, Hale-Ray 0
Highlights: The Huskies rolled to their first win of the season, with Katie Martin scoring 3 goals and Caeley Ayer tallying 2. Natalia Comiskey and Glenda Zhiminaicela also scored. Zhiminaicela and Julia Tanner had 2 assists and Kat Toledo had 1. Morgan converted on 7 of 12 shots. The Huskies’ Angelina Comiskey and Samantha Way split time in goal.
Next matches: Morgan (1-0-1) at Cromwell, Friday, 3:45pm; Hale-Ray at Westbrook, Thursday, 3:45.