Match Report: Staples vs. Trumbull

Goals by Adrian Rodriguez, Noah Rossoni and Greyson Downes sparked Staples to a convincing 3-0 Senior Day win over Trumbull yesterday, at Wakeman Field.

This is an uncharacteristic down year for the Eagles. After 2 decades at or near the top of the FCIAC and state, they are now 2-9-1. The Wreckers raised their record to 10-2-0, with 4 matches remaining. They host Danbury on Monday (4 p.m., Wakeman), The blue-and-whites are tied for third, and seem almost assured of a home match in the FCIAC quarterfinals that begin in 2 weeks.

Yesterday’s game began slowly, after the seniors were honored. But with Gabe Hellmann and Dylan Shackelford attacking out of the back, Gabe Duque taking wide swaths of space up top, Josh Whitaker roaming freely, Drew Hill commanding midfield, and the Wreckers winning most 50/50 balls by stepping up all of the field, the hosts were clearly in command.

They played with poise, patience and efficiency, methodically waiting for their chance.

First half highlights included keeper Jack D’Amore handling a difficult high bouncing ball, and Owen Perry’s curving blast saved high.

Staples’ pressure was rewarded 4 minutes before halftime. Ford Epstein opened up the field with a seeing-eye pass from the left side. Duque took it in stride and fed Adrian Rodriguez, who finished low and hard into the far corner.

Two minutes later, Noah Rossoni’s rocket off the post just missed doubling the lead.

But he got his goal 4 minutes after intermission. The junior picked up a loose ball at the top of the box. He did not hesitate, firing straight down the middle.

Zach Gillman, Cillian Morris, Chase Cammeyer and Jaden Waldman came on, and kept the level high.

The final tally came 10 minutes from time. Lucas Alarcon’s well-taken corner found Greyson Downes, who leaped high over his defender to head it home.

Thomas Pretty kept the clean sheet late in the contest, clearing a ball off the line. FINAL SCORE: Staples 3, Trumbull 0. FCIAC RECORD: 9-2-0. OVERALL RECORD: 10-2-0.

QUICK KICKS: The 15 seniors honored before the match include Brendan Allen, Michael Brennan, Chase Cammeyer, Adriano Carpi, Gabe Duque, Ford Epstein, Zach Gillman, Spencer Girling, Gabe Hellman, Drew Hill, Cillian Morris, Owen Perry, Dylan Shackelford, Josh Whitaker and Emmett Zahler. Manager Max Triscari was also cited ….

The junior gave up the first goal to Trumbull and fell behind 2-1, then rebounded for a 6-2 win. Goals came from Kai Massicott and Spencer Cammeyer (2 each), Owen Green and Mateo Riera, with assists from Cammeyer, Massicott, Seb Carter, Derin Leon and Ved Deo….

The freshmen downed Trumbull 5-1, on goals from Pranay Kalati, Max McDermott, Spencer Hollander, Mason Holl and Beckham Martino.