Match Report: Staples vs. Stamford [UPDATED – WITH PHOTOS]
On paper, today’s match promised to be the best of the entire FCIAC boys soccer season.
It was.
Undefeated, untied Staples (9-0-0) hosted #2 Stamford (7-1-1) at Wakeman Field. The Wreckers had not been tested all year. The Black Knights’ lone loss was to non-league South Windsor, a late 4-1 collapse. Their sole draw was 1-1, against Fairfield Warde.
The scintillating game — both well played and physical –ended 0-0. That snapped Staples’ 26-game undefeated, untied streak — the longest in the program’s 68-year history — but was a test they needed. In 9 previous matches, no other squad gave them any competition.
Stamford had reasons — besides skill — to go toe-to-toe with the defending stand and FCIAC champions. The Knights handed the Westporters the first of only two defeats last year, 3-1 in the regular season. But the Wreckers got revenge, booting them 1-0 in the FCIAC semifinals.
Staples coach Liam Witham tweaked his starting lineup. Spencer Derakhshan returned from an injury, while Kai Massicott made his first start, up top.
The junior made the most of his opportunity. His first chance came in the 11th minute. Keeper Magnus Smail — one of the best keepers in the state, and a high-level rugby player too — came out to clear Massicott’s breakaway.
That set the tone for the match. He soon saved shots by Adrian Rodriguez and Nico Reyna; his defense then cleared a ball off the line.
The officials let the players play. There was a solid flow to the contest. With neither team establishing dominance at midfield, the play was back and forth.
Noah Rossoni and Lucas Alarcon were workhorses on both sides of the ball. Keeper Zach Delman faced more action than he’s seen all fall. On the back line, Stamford’s defense was as confident as the Wreckers’ Derakhshan, Thomas Pretty, Ryan Allen and Peter Nelson.
Right after intermission — the first time Staples was held scoreless in any first half — Alarcon laid a great ball across the box. No one was there to meet it.
In the 54th minute, Smail made a great sliding save on Rodriguez. Two minutes later, the Knights failed to convert.
In the 61st minute, Delman dove to his left, punching wide an on-target rocket. It was by far the best save of the year, for the largely untested junior keeper.
As the match wore down, both teams had solid chances. But both keepers, and both stout defenses, rose to the occasion.
The final 20 seconds were crazy. The ball bounced high and often in Stamford’s penalty area. No one could clear it — until Smail headed it out, at the top of the box.
There was no victor today, though it could be said that both sides learned a lot from the battle.
They may very well meet again, in the FCIAC and/or state tournaments.
In those games, there must be a winner. FINAL SCORE: Staples 0, Stamford 0. SEASON RECORD: 9-0-1.
QUICK KICKS: Another tough match looms. On Friday, Staples travels to Greenwich. The Cardinals are 7-0-2. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. …
This was the first draw of head coach Liam Witham’s high school career. Last year’s squad went 22-2-0 ….
Staples players wore pink wristbands, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month ….
After several years of work, Stamford inaugurated its renovated turf field recently. It’s named for Mario Caminiti, the Knights’ longtime coach …
The freshmen beat Stamford 3-2. Bryson McLaughlin scored twice; Ben Britten added a goal and assist.
Kai Massicott
Noah Rossoni
Peter Nelson
Thomas Pretty meets the press. (All photos/Paolo Caniato)
