Match Report: Staples vs. Fairfield Ludlowe

An hour before today’s game with Fairfield Ludlowe, the Staples boys soccer team met a dozen players from the 1969 state championship team. They returned to Westport — and Loeffler Field — to celebrate the 50th anniversary of what became 5 Connecticut crowns in a row.

The 2019 Wreckers know where they came from. They are eager — and working hard — to write their own chapter in the Staples history books.

Things are different, 5 decades on. The FCIAC — and all of Connecticut — is much more competitive. The schedule is tighter — this was the blue-and-whites’ 3rd game in 5 days — along with many other changes.

But a fall after on The Hill is timeless. The ’69 team recognized the same grass field, the same backdrop, the same passion to play.

The Falcons are a stubborn, pesky side. They man-marked Patricio Perez Elorza in the middle of the field, and when they won the ball they attacked quickly.

The Wreckers had a much better second half than first. They had more good opportunities than Ludlowe, but never forced keeper Michael Loya into a tough save. His counterpart, Reed Caney, came up big twice, on the visitors’ best chances. Otherwise, defenders Surya Balaji, Brendan Lynch, Benny Feuer, Carter Bassler (playing his best match as a Wrecker) and, briefly, Jack Foster held firm.

The final 15 minutes was all Staples. They attacked on the flanks, drove into corners, and laced balls into the box. But Ludlowe never broke, and when they substituted with just 20 seconds to play, they were satisfied with the draw.

Staples was frustrated. But frustration is a part of soccer, just like goals and saves.

The Westporters now enjoy a bye week. They’re in action again next Saturday (October 12), home again versus Stamford. Kickoff is 2 p.m. FINAL SCORE: Staples 0, Fairfield Ludlowe 0. SEASON RECORD: 5-2-2.

QUICK KICKS: The reserves shut out Fairfield Ludlowe 5-0. The first goal was gorgeous: a set piece from Sam Vannart to Jaden Mueller’s head. Graham Barnes picked up a pair of clean-up goals. Zach Pulichino finished off a great punt from keeper Sebi Montoulieu. Matt Jordan — bringing energy in his new role as a wing back — finished off the scoring….

The freshmen whitewashed Fairfield Ludlowe 2-0. Matt Shackelford scored on a 1st-minute breakaway. David Sedrak added another, 25 minutes later. The defense limited Ludlowe to zero shots. Tyler Kocadag and Kyle Ambrose played well, while Josh Deitch once again owned the middle of the field.