Pre-Season Schedule Set; 5 Big Dates Planned
There are few things tougher in high school soccer than Staples’ FCIAC schedule.
Unless it’s the Wreckers’ pre-season schedule.
The slate — announced today — features 5 stellar opponents. Playing top teams before the regular season begins is a long-standing Staples tradition.
The 1st match, on Wednesday, August 28 — just 4 days after the 1st official day of tryouts (Saturday, August 24) — is at Fairfield Prep. The Jesuits came to Loeffler Field for the 1st time last year. It was an exciting match — won by Prep 1-0, on a 2nd-half goal — and gave the Wreckers a good look at the team that roared on to the state LL finals.
Two days later, Staples hosts class L powerhouse Wethersfield. This marks the 10th year the Eagles have traveled to Westport for a pre-Labor Day scrimmage.
On Tuesday, September 3, the Wreckers head north, to Newtown. The Nighthawks — perennial SWC title contenders — came to Loeffler Field last year. All 3 periods ended 0-0.
On Thursday, September 5, Staples is at Choate. Last year — when Harding postponed the FCIAC opening game because of coaching issues — the Wreckers played the Wallingford private school. Choate looked commanding, in a 3-1 victory.
Pre-season competition concludes on Saturday, September 7 with Wethersfield’s annual jamboree. The round-robin affair honors 9/11 victims from that town and Westport.
“Pre-season is very important,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We use it to figure out who plays well where, and in what combinations. We see what we need to work on. And our players learn that there are a number of good teams out there. I’ve always said, if you want to be the best, you’ve got to see the rest.
“I’m already excited. This could be our best pre-season schedule ever.”
Andrew Puchala, Foster Goldberg and Andreas Bru, on the 1st day of tryouts last year. Every moment is important; pre-season scrimmages begin 4 days later. (Photo by Carl McNair)
