Wreckers Top Ludlowe; Look To State Tournament
Dylan Hoke’s penalty kick keyed an inspired Staples side to a 1-0 win over Fairfield Ludlowe this afternoon, at Wakeman Field.
The win, in the regular season finale for both teams, raised the Wreckers’ record to 7-8-1. They had already qualified for the state tournament — for the 63rd time in 64 years — but missed out on an FCIAC playoff bid. The top 8 teams qualify for that event. Staples finished with the same 22 points as 2 other teams. However, Brien McMahon took 8th, in a 3-way tiebreaker. The Wreckers end up 9th, due to their loss at McMahon and their win over Westhill.
The Falcons drop to 8-6-1.
Hoke’s PK came after Avery Mueller drove into the box, and was fouled. The match had been even to that point — and continued that way to the end. Staples’ defense of Ben Douglas, Hunter Smith, Campbell Gerrard, Cole Lieberman, Santi Alfageme and Adam Syah, with Alex Laskin in front, played a tight, controlled and tough game. They trapped the visitors offside several times, with excellent communication and timing.
Nick Sikorski was steady in goal, including one difficult save high in traffic.
The match was physical, and grew more intense as time wound down. The final few minutes were played in foggy, fading light, after starting 20 minutes late while waiting for the second official. FINAL SCORE: Staples 1, Fairfield Ludlowe 0. FINAL SEASON RECORD: 7-8-1.
QUICK KICKS: The Wreckers played the match without a second keeper. Backup Steve Divino was injured, while third keeper Aldo Lopez was with the reserves — and available in an emergency — at nearby Loeffler Field ….
The reserves tied Fairfield Ludlowe 0-0. Christian Rinaldi had an excellent game in goal, earning the shutout with several outstanding saves. Oliver Orin came close to scoring on a first-half free kick, and Luca Caniato hit the crossbar in the second half off another free kick….
Chris Martenson ’18 scored the game-winner in the 88th minute, as Worcester Polytechnic Institute edged Emerson 2-1. It was the defender and former Staples captain’s 3rd goal of his 46-match collegiate career, and came on a rebound of a free kick. WPI’s final game is tomorrow night, against the University of Massachusetts-Boston.
The 2022 seniors, after today’s introductions. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Ben Douglas’ teammates are in awe. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Dylan Hoke’s header misses by inches against Fairfield Ludlowe. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
