UPDATE:
The University of Connecticut-Southern State University men’s soccer game — set for this Saturday (April 20, 1 p.m.) — has been moved to the Wakeman turf field (Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Westport). The change is due to the forecast of rain. This is a fantastic opportunity for area soccer fans to see two collegiate powerhouses in action.
The match is a benefit for the Dennis Murphy Scholarship Fund. Dennis — a 1973 state champion player at Staples — played and coached at Southern. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
The rare meeting between two longtime powerhouses is a fundraiser for Dennis Murphy Scholarship Fund. Murphy was a standout on Staples’ 1971 and ’72 state championship teams. As a player and assistant coach, he later helped lay the foundation for Southern’s national success. He spent many years as a coach in Westport, with both WSA teams and the legendary U-23 Bridge Grille squad.
The ties between UConn and SCSU are strong. Murphy’s brothers Ken and Ed starred for the Huskies. Ray Reid, the current UConn head coach, came to Storrs after a stint at Southern. Both programs are united in their desire to raise funds honoring Murphy. He died in 2016, at the age of 62, from cancer.
The April 20 match is an opportunity for young soccer players and their parents to see two high-quality teams in action. Players will greet fans after the match.
There is no admission fee, but donations to the Scholarship Fund will be collected. To donate directly, click here. Checks can be sent to Southern Connecticut State University Foundation, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515 (write “Dennis Murphy Scholarship” on the memo line).
