Photographs by John McKenna
Monday's game between Litchfield and Nonnewaug had the feel of a state tournament contest, with both teams battling hard to gain an upper hand. In the photos, top to bottom, for Litchfield, Hunter Grabowski gets his head on the ball, Kyle Murphy (6) challenges near the goal, Quinlan McCarthy heads the ball, and goalie Mark Luzzi thwarts a scoring chance by Cody St. John.

By the time the dust settled at Plumb Hill Playing Fields on Monday, Nonnewaug had itself a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Litchfield and the early-season status as the team to beat in the Berkshire League.

The Cowboys, however, are just a step behind. But had they been able to convert numerous opportunities, the outcome would've been different, and so would the league standings today.

"It could've easily been a tie or better for us," Litchfield coach Rob Andrulis said. "We had the better chances, but couldn't finish. We exposed their defense the entire game."

Litchfield (1-1) got a goal from Kyle Murphy to tie the score at 1-1 in the first half. Murphy was around the goal all afternoon and fired a few hard shots that were stopped or sailed over the cross bar.

In the second half, it was clear that one goal would likely be the difference. With the clock dwindling to under 10 minutes, Nonnewaug was awarded a direct kick from 30 yards out after a Cowboy penalty. Cody St. John ripped a shot past a wall of Cowboys into the side of the net. The shot froze goalie Mark Luzzi.

St. John, however, almost negated his goal by receiving a red card minutes later for unsportsmanlike conduct. The card sent him to the bench and forced Nonnewaug to play one man short for the last five minutes.

Litchfield pushed for the equalizer and had chances, but again came up empty. After one rush on the goal, Nonnewaug cleared the ball and a breakaway goal was the result, although it appeared the Chiefs were offside on the play.

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