Groton soccer community unites after dad's death

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GROTON (AP) — The soccer community in Groton has banded together to honor a soccer dad who died just days before his children were to play in a state tournament.

Phillip Adler died Sept. 28 of a heart attack. His son and daughter this week each played in the state tournament on the boys' and girls' teams, respectively.

Lisa Adler, his wife, tells the media that the teams showed up to the Tuesday funeral and wore black armbands. The boys' players also wore their team warm-up outfits.

Eighteen-year-old Jarrett Adler says his dad wouldn't have wanted him to miss Wednesday's game and loved to watch his kids play.

Lisa Adler says the community support has been "unbelievable."

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