Scrimmage Report: Staples vs. Martin Luther King
For the 4th year in a row, Staples played Martin Luther King High School in a pre-season match.
For the 1st time, the Wreckers traveled to meet the Knights. In fact, it was Staples boys soccer’s 1st game ever in New York City.
The past 3 matches were on the Loeffler Field grass. Today — on the turf at Asphalt Green, not far from the East River and Gracie Mansion — MLK showed why they have won 14 of the past 17 NYC championships.
Their speed, technical ability and ability to stretch the field overpowered the Westporters. Fielding a team of top players from all over New York, they rode an early penalty kick and 3 more 1st-half goals to a solid halftime lead.
The 2nd half — with Staples playing better and smarter — was scoreless.
“We love going against a team like MLK,” said head coach Dan Woog. “They showed us how high the bar can be set. Now it’s our job to work every day to reach their standard. This was exactly the kind of match we needed, to get us ready for FCIAC and state competition.”
Staples opens the FCIAC season this Friday, with a 4 pm home encounter against Trinity Catholic.
QUICK KICKS: Timmy Liles had the Wreckers’ best chance of the day. His shot from long range rattled the crossbar.
The Wreckers warm up on Asphalt Green. (Photo/Kurt Dasbach)
The Wreckers get ready for the 2nd half at Asphalt Green. (Photo/Dylan Beck)
Matt Engler, in an intense matchup against MLK. (Photo/Regina Miniutti)
