Match Report: Staples vs. Norwalk [UPDATE — PHOTOS ADDED]
The Staples boys soccer team faced their first real test of the year this afternoon.
They aced it.
The Wreckers combined balanced scoring, smart positioning, tenacious ball-winning and team defense to dismantle a solid Norwalk team 6-0, at Wakeman Field.
It was the Westporters’ fourth win in as many games. One quarter of the way through the regular season, they continue to gel — and win.
The sternest test of the year comes Wednesday, against Stamford. The 4 p.m. match at the Knights’ West Beach Field pit 2 top FCIAC contenders. On Saturday, the Wreckers travel to Darien (2 p.m.), for another difficult matchup.
So while there is little time to bask in today’s victory, the scoreline tells the story. Staples’ speed — team and individual — and intelligent use of the entire field stifled the Bears’ game plan.
The Wreckers fired more shots in the opening minutes than they had in any previous match — and most were on goal. Lucas Alarcon’s inswinging corner kicks added to the attack.
He had a role in the first goal too, in the 15th minute. He picked up a great feed from Brendan Allen, and cut the ball back to Gabe Duque. The quad-captain finished sharply, from the left.
The hosts continued to pressure, and dictate the tempo. Three minutes later quad-captain Gabe Hellmann won a tenacious tackle, and slotted the ball into the goalmouth. Allen picked it up in stride, and finished first-time to the far right.
With quad-captain Drew Hill doing his usual very effective — and often unnoticed — work in the middle, Staples continued to attack. And whenever Norwalk threatened, Adriano Carpi, Spencer Gehrling, and quad-captains Dylan Shackelford and Gabe Hellmann were there, tracking back and double-teaming to prevent any dangerous shots.
The Bears’ best opportunity came after goalkeeper Jack D’Amore had to leave temporarily, after a yellow card. Sophomore Zach Delman came on, and saved the ensuing free kick well in heavy traffic.
Just 50 seconds after intermission, Greyson Downes was pulled down in the box. Josh Whitaker nailed the penalty kick, for a 3-0 edge.
In the 63rd minute, Norwalk’s keeper parried Noah Rossoni’s blast. It landed at the feet of Duque, who finished authoritatively.
Less than 10 minutes later, Owen Perry laid a seeing-eye pass across to Thomas Pretty. He was ready to strike, but the ball caromed first off a defender, for an own goal.
Reserves Jaden Waldman and Arthur Khisyamov kept the standard high.
The final tally came just a minute from time. Adrian Rodriguez was taken down, and converted his own PK.
There is little rest for the Wreckers. But that’s fine. They’re on a roll, and ready for anyone. FINAL SCORE: Staples 6, Norwalk 0. FCIAC RECORD: 3-0-0. OVERALL RECORD: 4-0-0.
QUICK KICKS: For the Stamford livestream, click here …
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The junior varsity looked impressive, in a 7-0 shutout of Norwalk. Goals came from Owen Green (2), Kai Massicott, Derin Leon, Zach Selig, Ethan Katzner and Seb Elizondo. Assists were recorded by Massicott, henry Green, Spencer Derakhshan, Lucas Klein, and Ved Deo….
Coach Luis Mandujan’s freshmen shut out Norwalk — the team he played for in high school — 6-0. Max McDermott continued his torrid scoring pace with a hat trick. Gus Reyna, Pedro Almeida and Nathan Burtzlaff added solo strikes.
Gabe Duque celebrates. Josh Whitaker enjoys the show. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Another celebration. (Photo Ryan Allen)
Jack D’Amore begins the attack. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
