The end result of the Hamden-East Haven boys’ soccer game played Saturday was the most lopsided in the 25-year history of the Southern Connecticut Conference.
Hamden won the home game 15-1. The game was not reported to the New Haven Register.
“When there is a 14-goal differential, it raises red flags with everybody,” SCC commissioner Al Carbone said. “I’m a little bit embarrassed by it.”
And amazingly, the score could have been worse. East Haven athletic director Anthony Verderame confirmed that a 16th goal “was waived off” and also said his coach, Chris Rapuano, decided to end the game with approximately 17 minutes left in regulation. Games are 80 minutes long.
Verderame, who was not at the game, said he spoke with Hamden athletic director Tom Dyer on Saturday.
“I fully trust this will be handled appropriately by Mr. Dyer,” Verderame said. “Our kids were not happy about it. They just want to play soccer. … I have every confidence they will bounce back and make this a learning experience will only strengthen them as a team.”
Neither Dyer nor Hamden coach Raffaele Romano returned phone messages or emails seeking comment. Rapuano also did not return a message seeking comment.
The previous worst two losses in SCC history were both 13-0 results. The first occurred during the opening week of the first season, Sept. 16, 1994 when Xavier defeated Wilbur Cross, The other, Cheshire over Career/Hillhouse, happened on Oct. 13, 2013.
This is the first result with a double-digit differential in the SCC since Hand beat Law, 10-0, on Oct. 14, 2011.
Although the league has no score management policy for soccer, Carbone said there are ethics in the bylaw for coaches to abide by.
“In the history of our league, has there been lopsided games? Yes, but there’s also been a level of sportsmanship. We’ve seen it in a lot of sports.”
The rematch between the two teams will be held at East Haven High on Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.
joseph.morelli
@hearstmediact.com; @nhrJoeMorelli
