John Milardo’s goal late in the second half lifted Xavier to its first soccer win over Daniel Hand in three years, 2-1 on Wednesday night at the Surf Club.
Milardo, after missing over the crossbar just minutes earlier, was assisted by Jack Polke as the Falcons remained unbeaten at 11-0-2 with three regular-season games remaining.
“It feels great to be able to put that in and get the edge over Hand,” Milardo told GameTime after the match. “It feels great to get the win on the road.”
Xavier already is assured one of the eight berths in the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament and is one of just two unbeaten teams in Class LL.
Xavier and Hand played to a scoreless draw in September in Middletown. Wednesday’s loss was the Tigers’ first (10-1-2) of the season.
After a scoreless first half, Ben Agerbaek scored with about 17 minutes left to put the Tigers (10-1-2) ahead. About four minutes later, Polke evened the match when he put away his own rebound off Hand keeper Timothy Perez (5 saves).
Spencer Misenti had 3 saves on the night for Xavier. The Falcons play their final three regular-season games at Larry McHugh Field, starting Friday against Fairfield Prep (4pm).
Elsewhere around the county on Wednesday:
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Mercy 3, Shelton 0
Highlights: Kate Donlan scored 2 goals within six minutes in the first half, with Lauren Kohs and Ava Romeo providing the assists. Allie Epright gave the Tigers, who have won 4 straight, added cushion with a goal just 4 minutes into the second half. Mercy keeper Melina Ford finished with 3 saves. Julia Pulley and Emily Codere combined for 1 save for Shelton (3-9-1).
Next Match: Mercy (10-2-2) hosts Guilford at Xavier High, Thursday, 7pm.