Match Report: Staples vs. Darien [UPDATED – WITH PHOTOS]

It’s been a big week for Josh Whitaker.

Yesterday, the senior winger committed to Hobart College.

Today at Darien he scored 2 goals in the span of 2 minutes, just before halftime.

Brendan Allen added 2 quality strikes in the second half.

The talented duo paced the Staples boys soccer team to an emphatic 4-0 win over the Blue Wave.

The victory — 48 hours after their first loss of the season, at Stamford — put the Wreckers back on track.

Now 4-1 in the FCIAC (5-1 overall), they face their sternest test of the season Tuesday. Greenwich brings a league-leading 5-0 mark to Wakeman Field. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

It took a while for the Westporters to find their rhythm today. Several stoppages of play — including a 20-minute delay, after a Darien player dislocated his knee — made for a disconnected feel.

But as the half wore on, Staples established themselves. In the 34th minute Whitaker and Gabe Duque combined to feed Noah Rossoni. The junior’s well-struck goal was called back for offside, but it augured what was to come.

Ford Epstein was stopped in the box on a great chance; then Duque’s long service was headed wide.

Just when it seemed the visitors would go into halftime with nothing to show for their efforts, Duque was taken down, 25 yards from the goal and nearly dead center.

Whitaker lofted a perfect free kick over the Wavers’ defensive wall. It nestled into the far corner, out of the keeper’s desperate reach.

Duque was fouled again, less than 2 minutes later and with just 30 seconds showing on the clock. This time the foul was in the box. Whitaker — Staples’ penalty kick specialist — stepped up to the spot. His shot was true, for his 4th PK in as many attempts this year.

The second half began with Staples keeper Jack D’Amore making a great save off a tricky deflection.

It continued with strong defense by Dylan Shackelford, Adriano Carpi, Spencer Girling, Gabe Hellmann and Emmett Zahler, plus dynamic play at midfield by always-tough Drew Hill.

After several offsides calls, Staples stayed on and dented the scoreboard twice ore.

Allen sliced a ball through to Adrian Rodriguez. The junior gathered it in stride, then gave a quick ball back to Allen, who had followed his own pass nicely. His header redirected the ball into the far left corner, for a healthy 3-0 lead.

The guests soon padded their lead. Greyson Downes cut a pass across the middle. Allen was there again, with another no-nonsense strike.

Coach Liam Witham’s reserves rode out the match, with no drop in quality — or control — whatsoever. FINAL SCORE: Staples 4, Darien 0. FCIAC RECORD: 4-1-0. OVERALL RECORD: 5-1-0.

QUICK KICKS: Staples completes an active week tomorrow (Sunday). The annual car wash takes place at 1720 Post Road East (just before Stop & Shop, on the right), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ….

Thomas Corridon ’22 has been named to the New England Men’s Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference squad. The pre-dentistry and business double major plays for Wheaton College. …

The junior varsity edged Darien 2-1. Goals came from Ethan Katzner and Lucas Klein, with assists from Spencer Cammeyer and Sebatian Elizondo …

The freshmen defeated Darien 6-1. Pranay Kalati led with 2 goals. Solo strikes came from Max McDermott, Gus Reyna, Brandon Corbett and Nathan Burtzlaff. The Blue Wave goal was the first surrendered by the frosh all year.