The 1998 women’s soccer team with teamwork and determination finished with a perfect 20-0 season. They also captured a Northwest Conference championship for the second year in a row and a Class M State Championship, the first soccer championship in school history.

The 20-0 record also got them a final ranking of second in the state and a USA Today ranking of seventeenth in the nation. The championship team was led by captains Leah Hinchliffe, Lindsay Guttmann, Kim Capodiece, and Lindsay Pulito.

Molly McGuire, Kathleen Samson, Kendra Sobiech, Lindsay Pulito, Kim Capodiece, and Lindsy Dorio were all named to the All-Conference team. Kathleen Samson and Lindsay Dorio were also named to the All-State team. Lindsy Pulito finished the season with thirty-two goals, All-State, All-New England, and All-American honors.

Berlin’s defense remained strong throughout the season by allowing opponents only ten goals in twenty games. Seniors Leah Henchliffe and Lindsay Guttmann led the defense for Berlin. Lindsay Guttmann in her final season as goalkeeper established three school records; most shut-outs, best goals against average, and least goals against. Leah Hinchliffe’s season ended just before the state tournament with a torn ACL but remained an active team member.

The road to the championship was not an easy one. In the semi-final game against Darien Lindsay Dorio scored with thirty-six seconds left to break a 0-0 tie. Lindsay Dorio also scored the game winning goal in the previous quarterfinal game and in the state final game. Lindsay Pulito also added two goals in the final game.

The team was coached by Brian Plona and assisted by Naomi Stone. Other team members who were part of the undefeated season were juniors; Heather Bugay, Jennifer Crowe, Coleen McGuire, Amy Massaro, Sara Morin, Lindsay Orlich, Kim Rival, and Stacy Ryan. Sophomores; Amy Dastoli, Katie Lyons, and Laura Petrossi. Freshmen; Amy Blanchette, Amy Kohl, Katie Malloy, Molly Mcguire, Allison Murphy, and Cheryl Prigodich.