UPDATE WITH PHOTOS: Match Report: Staples vs. St. Joseph

Cheered on by dozens of young Bridgeport fans from Staples boys soccer’s mentorship program — and sparked by 4 goals in the first 23 minutes — the Wreckers cruised to a 7-0 victory over St. Joseph this afternoon, at Wakeman Field.

The victory — against an opponent that had won only once in 12 matches — was notable for several reasons. It marked the most goals scored by the Westporters since 2021, when they notched back-to-back 7-0 victories over St. Joseph and Bridgeport Central.

Tri-captain Sam Rossoni and Luca Caniato made their first appearances of the year, following pre-season injuries. Caniato’s was particularly fulfilling: It was his first varsity game ever — and he scored.

Six junior varsity players also notched their first varsity minutes: Ryan Allen, Adriano Carpi, Ford Epstein, Owen Perry, Thomas Pretty and Emmett Zahler.

All of that delighted the young students from the Lighthouse program at Luis Marin Elementary School. Under the direction of head coach Russell Oost-Lievense, Staples’ varsity players have mentored them, and they came to Westport today to cheer on their role models.

At halftime, the Staples freshmen led them in a penalty kick competition.

Going into a strong first-half wind, the Wreckers’ first score came in the 13th minute. Emmett Nivaud picked up a loose ball, and fired.

A minute later, Zach Gorin fed Jonny Costello, who cruised in alone.

The Wreckers controlled the tempo throughout, spreading the field and moving the ball confidently.

In the 22nd minute Costello found Zach Beebe, making a good run upfield. The tri-captain connected with Gorin, who was unmarked in front of the net for goal number 3.

A minute after that, Nivaud picked up another loose ball, and one-timed a shot in.

The second-half scoring began with passes from Gabe Duque and Adrian Rodriguez to Noah Rossoni, who finished calmly and strongly.

Though outmatched, the Cadets never gave up. They continued playing hard.

But they were no match for their hosts. Caniato’s goal was a well-struck shot from the corner.

Mikey Brennan closed out the scoring in the 70th minute, with a shot just like Caniato’s.

The Westporters now have a rare 6-day layoff until their next game. They face Westhill on Wednesday (4:30 p.m., Wakeman), then close out the FCIAC schedule at Ridgefield on Friday, October 18 (4 p.m.). The Wreckers and Tigers are battling for an FCIAC playoff spot.

They end the regular season the next day, with a non-league match at Harding (Saturday, October 19, 12 p.m.). The FCIAC playoffs begin Wednesday, October 23. FINAL SCORE: Staples 7, St. Joseph 0. SEASON RECORD: 7-6-0.

QUICK KICKS: St. Joseph’s lone win this year was 4-1, against Westhill. The Vikings, meanwhile, have only 1 win (2-1 over Bridgeport Central), and a hard-earned 0-0 draw against intra-city rival Stamford….

Among the leaders for the Luis Marin Lighthouse program: senior Alex Kuster. He also donated 1,200 childhood books to the program.