Match Report: Staples vs. Stamford [UPDATE – WITH PHOTOS]
Both Staples and Stamford’s soccer teams were hit hard by graduation.
The Black Knights lost 17 players; the Wreckers, 16.
But both programs — among the top in the FCIAC — reloaded, rather than rebuilt. Both are having strong seasons.
Both, in fact, were undefeated heading into the today’s match — the first visit ever for Staples to West Beach Field. (Stamford’s home pitch has been been unusable for 3 years, due to turf issues.)
The Westporters’ 4-0-0 record, and the hosts’ 3-0-0 (wins over Brien McMahon, Darien and Bridgeport Central) — and the fact that the seniors on the 2 teams were co-state champs, back in their youth soccer days — augured an excellent game.
It was.
Staples’ most scintillating match of the year ended in a 3-1 loss. But play was even throughout, as the 2 sides were mirror images of each other. They were quick on and off the ball; they played well to feet, and used the narrow field as widely as they could.
Stamford got the first good shot, in the 7th minute. It took another 10 minutes for the Wrecker to get theirs, from Adrian Rodriguez.
A rare defensive mistake in the 25th minute put Staples behind, for the first time all year. A long back pass was too wide for goalkeeper Jack D’Amore to handle; it curved into the net, for an own goal.
The Knights followed up with a breakaway, but the shot was high. Staples responded with a blast from Adriano Carpi.
The blue-and-whites picked up the pace, led by midfielder Drew Hill. The quad-captain had his best game of the year, initiating attacks while also contributing tenacious defense.
Coaches Liam Witham and Mike Summa were content with their starters, letting them settle in and problem-solve. The first substitutions — Noah Rossoni and Ford Epstein — came with only 10 minutes left in the half.
In the 34th minute, a dangerous ball into the box by Lucas Alarcon drew a penalty kick. Keeper Magnus Small guessed correctly, but Josh Whitaker — Staples’ PK ace — buried it easily.
Stamford got their own penalty kick break just 3 minutes after intermission. D’Amore got his hand on the PK, but could not stop it.
The Knights padded their lead in the 57th minute. Mouad Kassani’s long ball over the top sent Rory O’Halloran in on a breakaway. He drew the keeper out, then finished with poise.
The final minutes saw plenty of long balls by both teams. But Stamford closed out the game, with Small scooping up several threats both high and low.
The Wreckers have 2 days off before their next contest: Saturday at 2 p.m., at always-tough Darien. It’s Staples’ 4th match in 8 days, and a great opportunity to get back on the winning track. Click here for the livestream. FINAL SCORE: Stamford 3, Staples 1. FCIAC RECORD: 3-1-0. OVERALL RECORD: 4-1-0-.
QUICK KICKS: The Wreckers were missing center back Spencer Girling (illness). Dylan Shackelford shifted into his spot, and Emmett Zahler got a starting nod …
Adrian Rodriguez has been nominated as Ruden Report Player of the Week. Click here to vote; balloting ends Thursday at noon….
The junior varsity drew 2-2 with Stamford. Kai Massicott stole a pass from the keeper, and scored. Spencer Derakhshan added a free kick banger from 50 yards out ….
The freshmen remain undefeated, with a 4-0 victory over Stamford. Max McDermott continued his hot streak, with 2 goals. Gus Reyna and Henry Morali added 1 each.
Pre-game ritual (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Tripling up on defense (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Lucas Alarcon (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Gabe Hellmann (Photo/Ryan Allen)
