Fairfield Prep Ousted From Class LL Soccer Tournament

No. 7 Fairfield Prep was stunned by 26th-seeded Bridgeport Central, 2-1, Monday afternoon in the first round of the CIAC Class LL boys' soccer state tournament. 

The Jesuits (12-4-3) got on the scoreboard first when freshman forward Steve Tortora scored off an assist from a free kick late in the first half.

 After controlling the ball for most of the first half,  however, Prep had trouble getting possession of the ball in the second half. 

"Bridgeport had quick forwards, but we adjusted to it," Jesuits assistant coach Tim Dee said.  "A couple of lucky bounces and a quick first step made the difference for their team."

Early in the second half,  Fairfield Prep committed a foul in the box,  allowing the Hilltoppers a penalty kick opportunity.  Edir Dagraco faked Prep goalie Will Steiner, but missed just over the crossbar,  preserving the Jesuits 1-0 lead.

With 27 minutes remaining in the game, Dagraco redeemed himself by tying the game.

Then, with 20 minutes left in the game the Hilltoppers nearly took the lead when a ball got passed Steiner and skated across the goal line before rolling out of bounds. 

The final Hilltoppers' score came with 12 minutes left in the game when Antonio Dagraco scored off an assist from his brother Edir.

Prep had one final opportunity to score off of a corner kick in which a header went just wide of the Bridgeport Central goal.

While the Jesuits enjoyed a stellar season under rookie coach Ryan Lyddy, they ended the year with a pair of surprising losses. They also were upset at home by Guilford in the semifinals of the Southern Connecticut Conference playoffs.

"We had a good year with ups and downs and a great group of kids," Dee said. "They grew a lot, but the most important part was that they grew together."

Bridgeport Central (8-6-2) advanced to take on either Xavier or Southington in the second round.