ACES Chase Academy just kicked off something huge on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. This wasn’t just another game; it was their first-ever varsity contest. The boys soccer team hit the pitch against Shepaug Valley in Waterbury, a truly historic moment for a program starting from zero, with not a single senior on the squad. This was it: a team’s very first step.
The Unmistakable Climb From the Bottom
Look, the struggle was real in that inaugural match. Shepaug Valley, despite losing eight starters and only bringing back four players with varsity experience, scored early and often. It wasn’t close, but that’s not the main story. ACES, the newest CIAC varsity member, is on a one-year trial agreement in the Berkshire League. This isn’t about immediate wins; it’s about laying serious roots. Coach Shayne Purandah nailed it: “We’re just here to compete. For our new guys who are trying the sport, they’re here to learn and build a program. I know we’re starting from the ground. We’re trying to build that foundation, and work our way up.” That’s the mindset you love to see!
Facing an Absolutely Brutal Uphill Battle
You gotta respect Coach Purandah’s sheer honesty. He’s not blowing smoke. This squad is 6th through 11th graders, some trying soccer for the first time, going straight into varsity competition! He didn’t mince words: “It’s very difficult, because we’re starting from literally the bottom … how to pass the ball, how to kick.” Even Shepaug’s veteran coach, Jim Stinson, empathized, telling Purandah to hang in there. Expecting players to master fundamentals while playing competitive varsity games isn’t realistic, Purandah pointed out. But hey, these are the cards the team was dealt. As Coach P said, “These are the cards we were dealt, and we’re going to just work with them.” Jayanthony Bao, number 15, was out there controlling the ball, showing that grit from day one. You gotta admire that commitment.
What Comes Next for ACES
Tuesday was just the absolute beginning of the journey for ACES Chase Academy. While the boys soccer team works its tail off, other ACES varsity squads are about to debut. The girls volleyball team hosts Housatonic on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m., and the boys and girls cross country teams run their first varsity contest on Tuesday, September 15, at Shepaug against the Spartans and Gilbert at 4 p.m. This isn’t just a team; it’s a whole program on a mission to build something special, one game, one meet, one practice at a time. It’s a tough climb, but seeing a program literally start from nothing and grind its way up? That’s what sports are all about.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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