Matthew Cain photo
Scenes from Wednesday's match, in Westville.
In front of their biggest home crowd of the season, the city’s new semi-pro soccer team, New Haven United Football Club, delivered drama and determination Wednesday night — but it wasn’t enough to fend off a high-flying Osner’s FC, who handed the home team a thrilling 4 – 2 defeat.
“We’re a better team than this,” said New Haven United owner Jason Price.
Despite Wednesday’s loss, the match at Yale’s Reese Stadium in Westville, held special meaning beyond the final score. In the stands, the New Haven Youth Soccer team was in full voice, cheering on players they hope to one day emulate. It was a night that brought together the city’s soccer community and offered a glimpse of its bright future.
“It’s a fantastic thing. The biggest thing is to show our kids, the next generation, a wonderful product on the field,” Todd Hill, head coach of the New Haven Youth Soccer U12 boys’ team, said.
Coach Hill has been a dedicated leader in the local soccer community for years, known for his commitment to player development and sportsmanship. Under his guidance, the U12 boys’ team has grown into one of the most promising youth squads in the region. His team regularly attends local matches to learn from older players and stay inspired, and Hill emphasizes not only skill-building but also character and teamwork.
New Haven had a bright start Wednesday night, buoyed by a lively home crowd and crisp passing through midfield. That energy paid off in the 14th minute when Ryder Mills, playing in a fluid forward-midfield role, latched onto a through ball and coolly slotted it past the Osner keeper to give the home side a 1 – 0 lead. New Haven kept ball control and remained patient through most of the first half.
Before the half was up, Osner’s FC responded with a controversial goal. A quick counterattack saw them equalize just six minutes later; though New Haven argued for a handball on Osner in the buildup, the call never came. The Osner midfielder slipped a kick past the outstretched goalie, Constantin Jung, and from there, the tempo only increased. After New Haven’s opening goal, Osner tightened up defensively, and the game quickly turned physical.
Later, Osner was awarded a penalty after a foul in the box, which they converted to take the lead. They added another goal before the break, making it 3 – 1 at halftime in favor of the visitors.
New Haven came out in the second half with renewed urgency. Mills delivered once again, finding space at the top of the box and curling in a brilliant strike in the 52nd minute to get the score to 3 – 2. It was his fifth goal of the season — and perhaps his finest yet.
Still, Osner’s quality and experience proved decisive. A defensive error in the 64th minute gave Osner an opportunity, and they sealed the win with a late fourth goal on the break, catching New Haven pushed too far forward in search of an equalizer. As the late-game heroics began to build, tempers flared in a scuffle between both teams. Nobody was hurt or ejected as each team’s captains and coaches calmed their players down.
“We didn’t execute the center of the field well and didn’t create opportunities,” Jung said after the game. “We fought until the end. The plan is to leave it all out on the field and hopefully make a playoff run.”
Despite the result, the match felt like a step forward for New Haven. The atmosphere was electric, the team showed flashes of attacking flair, and Mills continues to establish himself as a key figure in the lineup. The next game will be a must-win if they want to make a playoff run.
“It was a good game — they’re a strong team,” said Price. “We need to be sharper in the box, but overall, we’re a good side and better than what we showed today.”
