Greenwich High School officially proved to be Ridgefield’s kryptonite on the lacrosse field in a 7-5 victory in the CIAC Class L semifinals. The Cardinals defeated Ridgefield for the third time this season, accounting for three of the Tigers five losses.
In their first two matchups, Greenwich took the games 8-7 and 7-6 both in overtime.
Greenwich and Ridgefield, ranked 2nd and 3rd in Connecticut, respectively, have had impressive seasons, making them even opponents and bitter rivals.
At 18-3, Greenwich went into the game ranked 10th in the DigitalSports National Lacrosse Rankings. Not too far behind, Ridgefield had a 16-4 record going into Wednesday’s game, placing them 21st nationally.
Wasting no time in getting started, Greenwich netted the game’s first goal just 97 seconds into the game. Then, Ridgefield’s slow, methodic offense closed out the quarter with a late goal to tie the game.
The second quarter proved to be the difference maker as Greenwich added two goals to its tally, all the while shutting out Ridgefield to take a 3-1 halftime lead.
Both teams scored two goals in the third, the Cardinals able to maintain their two-goal advantage. In the final quarter, Greenwich struck twice before Ridgefield could produce any offense, taking a 7-3 lead. Back-to-back goals from the Tigers cut Greenwich’s lead in half with 3:25 remaining. Those last three minutes were nail biting for any Cardinal support who watched as Ridgefield ripped shot after shot. Goalie Tommy Rogen and the rest of Greenwich’s defense held strong, not letting any of those shots in, keeping the Cardinals on top.
Ryan Flippin orchestrated the Cardinal’s offense, dishing out three assists. Luke Finneran and Will Perry both found the back of the net twice. Jamie Paradise and Bobby Goggin followed up with a goal and an assist for the both of them.
Preparing for the state championship game, Greenwich is set to face Staples-Westport this Saturday at 1:30. This is only the Cardinals’ third time reaching the finals, losing its previous two to Darien and Fairfield Prep.
Earlier this season, Greenwich defeated Staples 5-3. If the Cardinals can duplicate the same result, they will be able to claim their first ever state championship.
Key Players:
Ryan Flippin- 3 assists
Luke Finneran- 2 goals
Will Perry- 2 goals
Processing your request, Please wait....
