By Franco Piscitelli, Boys Soccer Coach
(September 21, 2022)—The HK Boys U12 won their Madison Invitational Soccer Tournament (MIST) bracket in Madison on the weekend of September 17, and 18, 2022. The MIST event has nearly 100 teams from more than 20 different clubs from all over the state competing in both boys and girls divisions, in age groups ranging from 9 to 15 years old. The MIST tournament has a long tradition of being one of the most fun and well-organized youth soccer tournaments in the state.
The HK Boys U12 won their first game 4-0 over Madison Black, and then 8-1 over Old Saybrook on Saturday. On Sunday, HK defeated Madison Gray 6-0, and then beat Coginchaug in their final game 2-1, overcoming a 1-0 early deficit, which clinched the Boys U12 bracket title for HK.
“The boys played absolutely fantastic all weekend long,” said Coach Franco Piscitelli. “Our team focuses on passing and playing good defense. We don’t have one superstar who scores all our goals. What makes this team so fun to watch is everyone is involved; everyone is asked to participate. As coach, I strive to make sure every boy feels that they are part of this team, everyone contributes, no one is left out. That is what made them so great. We have been playing together for several years, and everyone knows the system and what’s expected of them. I want everyone to have fun and enjoy soccer. But we also work on competing and working hard for your teammates. It is not about winning, they know that. I just want the boys to compete and give their all. After that, the result will be decided on its own. The best part of the weekend is watching the boys enjoying themselves and having fun in between games eating snacks and playing cards and video games. That is where team-building happens. They’ll have these memories forever.”
The HK Soccer Club had 5 different teams win their brackets, the most of any club at the tournament, a truly impressive feat for the soccer club. They included the U13/15 girls coached by Coach Lonergan, the U10 girls by Coach Chamberlain, the U10 boys by Coach LoGiudice, the Boys U11 by Coach Torre, and the Boys U12 by Coach Piscitelli.
Photo by Carl Cavrell
