Bristol Central boys soccer coach Bruce Mazzochi was disappointed with how last season played out.
The Rams, whom Mazzochi had high expectations for, put together a rough campaign with just three wins.
Things have certainly changed for Mazzochi and Central in the second year of his tenure. The Rams have doubled their win total to six (6-7-2) and clinched a Class LL state tournament berth by beating Newington Monday on the road. There have been some up and down moments this season, yet Central hasn’t let it turn into a tailspin.
Mazzochi liked what he had coming into this season.
“This year, this bunch of guys, there’s a real good team focus here,” Mazzochi said during a preseason practice.
In a division that contained tough foes like Wethersfield and Bristol Eastern, Central held its own with a 3-3-1 mark.
The Rams have one match left, next Monday at 5:15 p.m. at Bristol Eastern High School against the rival Lancers.
Bristol Eastern boys
Speaking of the Lancers, they will finish over .500 this season and play in the Class L state tournament, thanks in large part to a four-match winning streak recently.
Eastern started its run with a 2-1 win over Central on a Saturday night at Muzzy Field. The success continued with home wins over Middletown, Newington and New Britain. The Lancers lost by a goal to a tough Maloney squad, then tied tourney-bound Berlin last Thursday. Eastern looks to keep playing well next Monday against its rival Central on Senior Night.
Bristol Eastern girls
The Lancers will play in the Class L state tournament and doing enough during the middle of the season to qualify. Eastern ripped off four wins in five matches to get to 6-6-0, then tied Maloney 0-0 at home on Oct. 19 to qualify for the tournament. The Lancers hope to close out the regular season with a win over the rival Bristol Central Rams next Monday at 7:15 p.m. on Senior Night at Bristol Eastern High School.
