Avon erases two-goal deficit to beat Ridgefield, 3-2 in FCIAC/CCC Challenge Cup

Avon’s Paul Nevins, shown last fall against Canton, had a goal in Friday night’s FCIAC/CCC Challenge Cup win over Ridgefield.

FARMINGTON, Sept. 23, 2022 – Playing in the inaugural FCIAC/CCC Challenge Cup Friday night at Farmington Sports Arena, the Avon High boys soccer team got off to a rough start against Ridgefield, trailing by two goals after the first half.

But the Falcons (3-1-1) didn’t lose their poise and scored three goals in the second half to beat the Tigers, 3-2 with Braden Gilbey scoring two goals.

“I told the team afterwards that we showed both character and great soccer,” Avon High coach David Zlatin said. “Many teams would have folded after conceding such a tough goal just before halftime but we responded admirably, playing some of our best soccer of the season.”

Ridgefield (2-4-1) took an early 1-0 lead when Andres Palaez scored off the goal post with just 8:30 gone in the game.

“We were the better team through most of the first half with an Ian Nevins shot cleared off the line and a Braden Gilbey chance hit over (the crossbar),” Zlatin said. “Only three seconds before halftime, a mixup in the back led to an own goal and a 2-0 halftime deficit.”

Avon started strong in the second half. Diego Garza forced Ridgefield goalie Ian Uecker to make a big save and Gilbey followed with another tough shot for Uecker. Then, Matia Monteiro hit the post for the Falcons.

Avon tied the game at 1-1 with about 30 minutes remaining when Gilbey scored off a pass from Garza. Nevins tied the game with about 20 minutes to go scoring off a corner kick from teammate Lucas Monteiro.

Gilbey scored the game-winning goal with four minutes remaining.

The game was one of two games on Friday with another six games set for Saturday at FSA. It is modeled after the college basketball ACC/Big 10 Challenge that provides tougher-than-usual competition for regular season games.

“We were honored to be included in this event featuring the best soccer teams in the state,” Zlatin said.

Avon 3, Ridgefield 2
At Farmington
Avon (3-1-1)                0  3  — 3
Ridgefield (2-4-1)      2  0  — 2
Goals: Braden Gilbey (A) 2, Ian Nevins (A), Assists: Diego Garza (A), Lucas Monteiro (A), Andres Palaez (R), own goal; Saves: Buster Akers (A) 3, Ian Uecker (R) 9

2022 FCIAC/CCC Challenge Cup
At Farmington
Friday’s games
Avon 3, Ridgefield 2
South Windsor 3, Brien McMahon 2
Saturday’s games
Danbury vs. Southington, field 6, 12:30 p.m.
Farmington vs. Trumbull, field 7, 12:30 p.m.
Westhill vs. East Hartford, field 8, 12:30 p.m.
Staples vs. Glastonbury, field 7, 3 p.m.
Wilton vs. Newington, field, 8, 3 p.m.
Wethersfield vs. New Canaan, field 6, 6 p.m.
Greenwich vs. Hall, field 7, 6 p.m.
Darien vs. Conard, field 8, 6 p.m.