By Carl Cavrell
(October 29, 2025) — On October 28, 2025, the Haddam-Killingworth High School Boys Soccer team, ranked second in the Shoreline Conference, took on the number one seed, Morgan High School, defeating Morgan by a score of 4-1.
HKHS got off to a great start less than two minutes into the game, as Phin Merriam blasted a rocket of a shot from thirty yards out past the Morgan goalkeeper to put the Cougars up 1-0. The lead was short-lived, however, as Morgan tied the game about ten minutes later. Near the end of the half Tristin Edwards took a great cross from Merriam and put it past the keeper to end the first half with a 2-1 Cougar lead.
The second half saw increased pressure from Morgan, but the Cougars defense was up to the challenge. Tetsu Imai, Nolan Sheppard, Eli Hamann, Max and Ian Pizzorusso managed to completely shut down Morgan’s All-State forward, keeping him scoreless. In addition, Luca Piacenti, Chase Bruno and Gavin Eddinger were solid in the midfield, constantly stopping drives and clearing balls out of HK’s end. But the most impressive part of the second half was the outstanding, spectacular saves by Oscar Heikkila in goal. At least three times, he punched away almost certain goals on shots from Morgan.
On the offensive end, Tristen Edwards, Finn O’Hanlon, Gavin Orlando, Ethan Eddinger and Aaron Richwine put tremendous pressure on the Morgan defense. Finn O’Hanlon flashed past the defense to score the third Cougars goal on a breakaway, and Tristen Edwards rounded out the scoring with a great insurance goal late in the half to seal the 4-1 win.
With close to 500 HKHS fans in the stands and loud cheering led by the many Cougars football players who were there, it was truly an exciting night for HKHS. Soccer coaches, Zach Eddinger, Matt Ferris and Marty Ryczek could not have been prouder of their team and deserve much praise for getting the team ready for this game. HKHS now looks forward to the Class S State Tournament.
Photo by Anthony Pizzorusso
