Match Report: Staples vs. Trumbull
The weather report called for high winds and heavy rain.
It was wrong. There were moderate winds, and intermittent showers.
The scouting report told Staples that Trumbull was big and fast, with long throws.
It was right.
The Eagles came at the Wreckers hard from the start, earning 5 corner kicks in the opening 5 minutes. But Staples was organized defensively, and with Chris Martenson, Ryan Fincher, Nick Ambrose and Callum Wisher playing tough, they stymied every threat.
Staples soon found their own rhythm, answering Trumbull’s forays with their own. In the 13th minute Timmy Liles did some great work on the outside. His cross to Anton Mahr was just wide.
The 27th minute found the host Eagles with their most dangerous chance yet. Keeper Ry Cohen came out far to clear. Trumbull corraled the ball, fired, and Fincher cleared off the line. Cohen scrambled back, stopping the 3rd shot.
Two minutes later, a defensive giveaway put the ball on the foot of Jason Weinstein. He fired a perfect shot from 30 yards, quick and true into the back of the net.
The blue-and-whites applied good pressure in the 2nd half. Two consecutive corner kicks nearly yielded paydirt. Vaughan Sealey pressured hard, won balls and moved forward well. Sam Liles and Azam Plummer came off the bench, providing a late spark.
Matt Engler, Plummer and Will Birch — who played several positions — almost connected late. But Trumbull’s strong defensive line held — and the Eagles held on for a hard-fought victory.
“We played better against Trumbull tonight than we have in years,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We certainly hope we’ll see them again, down the line in the post-season.” FINAL SCORE: Trumbull 1, Staples 0. SEASON RECORD: 2-1-2.
QUICK KICKS: Shots on goal were 4 apiece. Trumbull racked up 11 corner kicks; Staples had 3….
The reserves led 2-0, on goals by Wilson Daniels and Jake D’Amico, but fell 3-2 to Trumbull….
The freshmen were down 2-1 at halftime, but powered back for a 6-2 win. Surya Balaji scored twice, while George Smith, Alan Fiore, Graham Barnes and Zach Pulichino had solo strikes.
Nick Ambrose assesses his options at Trumbull. (Photo/Alan Frost)
Keeper Ry Cohen was Staples’ man of the match at Trumbull. (Photo/Alan Frost)
The always-intense Vaughan Sealey. (Photo/Alan Frost)
