Staples vs. Stamford
Back when the Stamford High School field was a rockpile, the Wreckers had a tough time playing there.
It’s now a nice (if small) turf field. And it still gives Staples fits.
The Westporters started out well. Lars Aanestad dropped a ball over the top. Brendan Lesch timed his run perfectly, and finished strongly.
But the Black Knights equalized on a deflection off a free kick. For the rest of the half they stymied Staples. They caught them offside (10 times during the match), and keeper Yeisson Llanos came up big, denying Lesch, Gudis and Max Hoberman.
The hosts’ persistence paid off just 8 minutes after halftime. A high ball caromed off the keeper’s chest. Joel Castillo pounced, for a 2-1 Stamford edge.
It took 11 minutes for the Wreckers to draw level. Frankie Bergonzi fed Gudis, and the forward drew out the keeper nicely before beating him.
Sophomore Lorenz Esposito gave the blue-and-whites a spark up front, helping keep the ball on the ground. But it was an old weapon — Mike Scott’s throw — that gave Staples the lead in the 66th minute. Court Lake corralled the throw, then blasted home.
The insurance tally came less than 3 minutes later. Lesch and Steve Smith combined cleverly; Gudis slotted in a picture-perfect strike.
Staples almost made it 5-2 in the waning minutes. Llanos saved a penalty kick; AJ Green alertly followed up. His shot ripped off the underside of the crossbar and bounced down. Was it over the line? The official ruled no. Final score: Staples 4, Stamford 2. Season record: 3-2-0.
QUICK KICKS: The junior varsity beat Stamford 3-1. Terence Gibbons got 2 goals; Joe Greenwald netted 1….
The freshmen fell behind 3-0 to Ridgefield, then rallied but dropped a 3-2 decision. Jack Scott got a header goal; Eric Pan added one late. Andreas Refvik, Connor Weiler and keeper Jon Osorio had strong games.
Court Lake nailed the game-winner at Stamford. (Photo by Carl McNair)
Greg Gudis beats keeper Yeisson Llanos and defender Mike Altamura to the ball. (Photo by Carl McNair)
Jack Scott battles a Ridgefield Tiger, in freshman action. (Photo by Rebecca Refvik)
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