Port Jefferson girls roll into Class C soccer championship game
Port Jefferson players celebrate a goal during the first half against Calendonia-Mumford during the NYSPHSAA C semifinals at Cortland High School on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Credit: Rich Barnes
Changing schools is a daunting experience for any teen. But what about transferring to a girls soccer program that didn't graduate a single player from its previous season, has everyone in established roles, and has a reputation for being one of the most tightly knit groups in the state?
"Going in, you think it's going to be very hard," said Port Jefferson junior Brittany Fazin, who transferred from Sachem North this year. "But it hasn't been like that at all."
The boost Fazin has provided could be seen on the scoreboard at Cortland High School Saturday. She had two goals and was at the center of Port Jefferson's 4-1 win over Caledonia-Mumford in a Class C semifinal.
The Royals (14-2) will face Elmira Notre Dame in the Class C final at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at SUNY Cortland.
"These girls are very, very close," Fazin said, "but they welcomed me right away. We hang out all the time, and I love that."
Clare O'Connor (6th minute), Grace Swords (20th) and Fazin (25th) each had a goal in the first half to give Port Jefferson, a team that relies heavily on its on-field chemistry, a 3-0 lead.
For the Royals, everything on the field begins off the field.
"We had a pasta party at one of our houses in preparation for playoffs," junior Jillian Colucci said. "We watch movies on the bus and sing and dance in the warmups. We're all just great friends."
Added O'Connor: "We're a very close team. We're constantly texting each other. On the field, you see it. We move together, we play together."
It was on display Saturday. After Jessica Garland scored early in the second half for Caledonia-Mumford to make it 3-1, Fazin's second goal in the 65th minute restored the three-goal cushion for Port Jefferson. Colucci dribbled down the left side, drew a defender and gave a perfect feed to a cutting Fazin.
"Brittany played on a travel team with about five of us, so a couple of us knew her going in," Colucci said. "But our team's very welcoming. Although we have a tight bond, she fit right in."
Port Jefferson, which fell, 3-0, to Bronxville in the Class B final last year, aims to win its first state title Sunday.
"Last year, we went farther than we thought we could," Colucci said. "It brought us even closer. This year, we already have the chemistry, and we want to go home as champions."
