Match Report: Staples vs. South Kent (Scrimmage)
Every year, the Wreckers prepare for the regular season by scheduling the toughest pre-season opponents they can find.
You can’t find anyone tougher than South Kent.
The Litchfield County prep school has won 7 New England championships since 2006. Last year was one of those title years. They were undefeated — and named Top Drawer Soccer national champions.
The Cardinals are big, strong, quick, talented and well organized. Many fans wondered if they’d run Staples off the Wakeman field.
They had the lion’s share of possession. But much of it was at least 30 yards from the Wreckers’ goal.
The Wreckers’ defensive organization — with Chris Martenson and Matteo Broccolo in the middle — kept South Kent at bay for much of the match. Staples’ offensive pressure, meanwhile — keyed by Spencer Daniels and Will Birch, with relief from Luca Cocito and Anton Mahr — made the visitors work hard. Also earning kudos: keeper Ziggy Hallgarten, with 3 big saves.
South Kent capitalized twice in the 1st half — in the 6th and 37th minutes — and got another score 5 minutes from time, after both teams substituted.
But the Wrecker coaching staff was pleased that their team carried out the game plan, against one of the nation’s top sides. And, their players agreed, it was one of the toughest, hardest-fought — and most fun — matches they’ve ever played.
A very different — but equally talented — foe comes to town Monday. The traditional Labor Day match pits the Wreckers against Martin Luther King, perennial New York City champions. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m., at Loeffler Field (weather permitting) or the Wakeman turf.
Before that — on Saturday — is another tradition: the Wethersfield jamboree. The hosts are always in the state class L hunt.
Spencer Daniels keeps his balance — and the ball. (Photo/Frances Rowland)
Josh Berman, Matteo Broccolo, Spencer Daniels and Chris Martenson work together to bring the ball upfield. Their sweat-soaked shirts prove that “work” is the right word. (Photo/Frances Rowland)
Timmy Liles muscles his way to the ball. (Photo/Frances Rowland)
