Final Home Game Ends In Hard-Fought Draw

It was a back-and-forth battle from the opening whistle, as American Soccer Club NY (ASC) struck first with a goal in the very first minute, stunning the crowd during the final home game of the inaugural season of New Haven’s new semi-pro soccer team.

But New Haven United Football Club responded almost immediately, finding the back of the net in the third minute to level the score. 

The intensity remained high throughout the first half, with both sides trading chances in what quickly became a tightly contested affair. 

That was the scene at Reese Stadium on Yale Avenue Saturday, as New Haven United was back in action with a closing home game against ASC. 

Under the lights and in front of a lively home crowd, United aimed to regain momentum in the league standings after a tough loss the previous week. They also sought to showcase their attacking strength against a well-organized ASC squad.

In a thrilling, end-to-end battle, both sides traded goals and momentum throughout the match, ultimately finishing in a hard-fought 3 – 3 draw. The result leaves United with mixed feelings — proud of their offensive display but still searching for consistency in defense as they look ahead to the next fixture.

“Overall, I thought we were the better team. The game plan is to always get a win,” Agnaldo Germano said. 

The match started with two quick goals. In the first minute, Captain Brian Saramago wasted no time putting ASC ahead. The home crowd fell silent as a small pocket of ASC fans erupted in cheers from the opposite side of the stands. 

Bu the third minute, United had tied the score, as midfielder Samir Dishnica took a beautiful shot that skipped past the goalkeeper. 

Before the first half came to a close, New Haven United seized the lead with a well-worked goal just two minutes before the break. Santiago Serrano fired a well-placed shot that caught the goalkeeper off guard, putting his team ahead 2 – 1. 

The match had been a physical battle throughout, prompting the referee to add four minutes of stoppage time. In those final moments, ASC capitalized on a brief lapse in United’s defense. James Thristino of ASC found the back of the net to level the score at 2 – 2 heading into halftime — a dramatic finish to an intense first half. 

Although it was an exciting and fiercely contested battle, the intensity of the match often boiled over, resulting in several yellow cards being handed out to both sides. Hard tackles, heated challenges, and moments of frustration kept the referee busy, as emotions ran high throughout the game. While the physicality added to the drama, it also highlighted the fierce determination from both New Haven United and ASC to walk away with all three points.

“We are the youngest team in the league, and we are a little bit immature with the professionalism of the game,” New Haven United Head Coach Kledis Capollari said.

The second half picked up right where the first left off, with both teams battling hard in a high-energy contest. New Haven United struck again with a beautifully placed shot that curled into the bottom right corner of the net, reclaiming the lead at 3 – 2 and igniting the home crowd.

With the advantage in hand, United looked to tighten their grip on the match. Goalkeeper Consteint Jung stepped up with a composed performance, making three crucial saves — all under pressure and maintaining possession to relieve the defense.

United’s back line was rock-solid, pressing high and closing down space quickly, giving ASC little time to operate or build any rhythm. Their tight marking and disciplined shape frustrated the visitors and kept New Haven firmly in control for much of the half.

However, as time wore on, the match became increasingly physical, and tensions began to rise. More yellow cards were handed out as a result. ASC grew noticeably more vocal — directing their frustration toward both the referees and opposing players. This eventually led to a yellow card being issued to the ASC coach, along with additional cautions to a few of their players. ASC Head Coach John Fitzgerald received a yellow card from the sideline due to his unsportsmanlike conduct. 

ASC picked up the pace as New Haven began to falter, making costly mistakes down the stretch. In the 80th minute, ASC found the back of the net, leveling the score at 3 – 3. A sense of urgency swept through the New Haven United bench, but time ran out, and the match ended in a draw.

Now, New Haven’s postseason hopes are on the line. They’ll hit the road for a rematch against ASC in a must-win showdown — one that will ultimately decide their fate. 

New Haven United currently holds the fourth and final playoff position with a neutral goal difference (17:17), edging out American Soccer Club New York, who sit just behind in fifth place. With one crucial match remaining between New Haven United and American Soccer Club, the stakes couldn’t be higher — the winner will secure the last playoff berth. It’s a must-win showdown that will determine who advances and whose season comes to an end. 

The playoffs will begin on July 4 and will play through July 12 if needed.