Pre-Season Starts Solidly Against Fairfield Prep
For the 2nd year in a row, Staples faced Fairfield Prep in a pre-season scrimmage.
Last year the Jesuits edged the Wreckers 1-0 — and went on to the state finals, losing a close contest to Norwalk.
This year’s match was the 1st for both sides. It started evenly, with good chances at both ends. At the 10-minute mark, however, Staples began to take control. Junior defender Gabe Pensak started a bang-bang play. His squad’s 1st legit shot — by sophomore Joe Pravder — was saved. But co-captain Jack Scott pounced on the rebound, and the Wreckers led 1-0.
Co-captain Diego Alanis started the 2nd goal, feeding junior Patrick Beusse. He found central midfielder Andrew Puchala rushing forward; the junior finished firmly.
The 3rd score was a beauty. Scott’s searing corner kick was power-headed in by defender George Kokallis.
The 2nd half saw sophomore Daniel Brill feed a ball over the top. Connor Weiler raced forward from midfield to slot it home.
The final minute saw goal #5, a fine solo effort from the left by Andreas Bru.
“This was a solid performance, against a strong, physical team,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We saw good things from a number of people. But after the game we talked about learning lessons from what we want to improve. At the end of the season, we’d like to look back on this as one of our poorest performances.”
QUICK KICKS: Staples played all healthy 27 field players still trying out. The shutout was shared by keepers Noah Schwaeber, Brenden Price and Andrew Osorio. Kokkalis and Weiler anchored the defense.
Jack Scott bodies up in today’s match against Fairfield Prep. (Photo by Kim Lake)
Patrick Beusse works his magic. (Photo by Kim Lake)
