Staples vs. Harding
Injuries and other misfortunes have hit Harding hard. The Presidents dressed only 15 players for today’s regular season finale.
The Wreckers honored their seniors by starting 10 (the lone junior: keeper James Hickok).
Terence Gibbons got the 1st goal — just 2:34 in — from Jay Kaplan.
In the 5th minute Max Hoberman slammed in a great side volley, off a cross from an overlapping Aaron Liu.
There were 4 more 1st half goals:
- David Hoffman headed in from Kaplan — 10 seconds after Hoffman was substituted into the game.
- Dylan Hoy chipped the keeper, from Will Meinke.
- Noah Bender stole a ball, then struck true.
- Jack Scott tucked away Diego Alanis’ feed.
The 2nd half saw 2 goals from Alanis — one assisted by Joe Greenwald, the other unassisted — plus a long-range blast from central midfield maestro Will Meinke, which soared into the back of the net.
Head coach Dan Woog praised his team for good possession soccer. Then he quickly turned his sights to the FCIAC tournament, which begins Friday.
The Wreckers — who finished the season 10-2-4 — are the 4th seed. They host #5 Greenwich (9-4-3) at 3 p.m. on Friday.
“Staples traditionally has 3 soccer seasons: the regular season, FCIACs and the state tournament,” he told his team.
“This year, we didn’t reach all of our goals in the 1st season. We let our guard down sometimes, and let a few games get away.
“The 2nd season begins in 48 hours. It’s a chance to prove what we can do — to ourselves, and everyone else.
“No one ever remembers the regular season. And no one ever forgets the other 2.” Final score: Staples 9, Harding 0. Final regular season record: 10-2-4.
QUICK KICKS: Three players — all up from the junior varsity — made their varsity debuts, and played well: defenders Sam Koenig and Walker Marsh, and keeper Ryan Moran….
Staples used 3 keepers: James Hickok, Ryan Moran and Tucker Rizzi…
Today was Senior Day. Karen Scott organized the festivities, honoring Dylan Evans, Terence Gibbons, Kyle Hoberman, Max Hoberman, Jay Kaplan, Aaron Liu, Jake Malowitz, Taylor McNair, Will Meinke, Ben Root, Steven Smith and Alex Tonsberg. Also included: David Hoffman, a junior in his final year of eligibility….
The freshmen shut out Norwalk 2-0. Jordan McNair had a great rip; Nate Argosh added another goal; Gabe Pensak controlled midfield, and defender Andrew Puchala played “like an animal,” said assistant coach Julien Delepine.
Freshman Phil Foisie shows fine form. (Photo by Taylor McNair)
Sophomore Jack Scott hustles in on goal against Harding… (Photo by Taylor McNair)
…and gets a little post-game love. (Photo by Taylor McNair)
2 Responses to Staples vs. Harding