By Evan Triantafilidis
news@southburyrecord.com
For a quarter-century, head coach Joe Mancini has been a constant presence on the sidelines of Pomperaug boys soccer.
Entering his 26th season with the program – and fresh off a run to the Class L State Championship game – he oversaw Pomperaug’s first state title in 2011.
But before his team’s success is reflected on the scoreboard, there’s a process to building a winning culture that keeps him passionate about coaching year-round.
Instead of focusing solely on wins and losses, he says, there is a higher priority placed on staying focused, playing the right way and letting the result take care of itself.
“People talk about winning, but how do you get there?” said Mancini. “You have to know how to win before you can win.”
Between the lines, the longtime coach subscribes to a defensive-minded philosophy. It’s what led the program to three SWC conference championships since 2010.
Last year, the Panthers’ run to the state title game came to a dramatic end in penalty kicks that ultimately saw Brookfield High School claim victory.
Season Outlook & Goals
This year, the Panthers open up with four consecutive road games. Last year’s top goal scorer, Dylan Duda, has graduated, leaving opportunities for other players to step up during the first stretch of games.
Mancini acknowledged that it’s not the same as playing at home and said changes would need to be made due to a key injury that occurred in the team’s final preseason match.
Senior Captain and forward Genti Ismaili suffered an injury late last month in a scrimmage against Cheshire High School, and Mancini said he doesn’t know when he will return.
“We’re going to have to stay focused and grind out games if we have to,” Mancini said before the team’s first game.
The team’s two other senior captains are center defensive-midfielder Gabe Panasci and center back Eli Lounsbury.
They say the team’s practices reflect their head coach’s approach to building up a program.
“I think it’s really structured on purpose,” said Panasci. “We get into a good routine and then build from there.”
Mancini mentioned players, like senior Kai Daniels, who will be moving to bigger and more prominent roles this season.
“Kai’s role last year was coming off the bench,” Mancini noted. “He will be looking to convert more goals.”
Junior goalkeeper Dan McKulsky returns from injury after sustaining a punctured lung and a broken rib in postseason play last year, rendering him unable to play in the state tournament.
The longtime coach said his expectations and goals are centered around growth.
“That’s usually my goal for them, whatever you did last year… step it up a notch,” he said. “If you scored 10 goals last year, maybe this year it should be higher.”
Early Results & Schedule
Pomperaug opened its season with a 0-1 loss to New Fairfield High School, followed by a 1-2 loss to RHAM (Regional Hebron, Andover, and Marlborough) High School.
Their road trip continues on Monday afternoon against Abbott Tech and then on Tuesday against Immaculate High School.
The team’s first home game is on Thursday, September 11, when they host New Milford High School at 7:00 p.m.
The only consecutive home games for the Panthers come at the conclusion of the regular season, when they host Newtown High School and Watertown High School.
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