FCIAC Semifinal Report: Staples vs. Stamford [UPDATED – PHOTOS]
Staples did not slam in 8 goals in today’s FCIAC semifinal match against Stamford, as they did 3 days ago versus Norwalk.
The Wreckers got just 1. But that was all they needed.
With air-tight defense and plenty of passion, the blue-and-whites powered their way into Monday’s final. They’ll be shooting for their 28th league title overall — by far the most in the FCIAC — but their first since 2010. That win was Wreckers’ third straight FCIAC crown. They made their 4th final in a row in 2011, but fell 2-0 to Trumbull.
Today’s win at Fairfield Warde’s Tetreau Stadium was especially sweet. The Knights were one of only 2 teams to beat Staples in the regular season, by a 3-1 count.
The other defeat was to Greenwich, 4-3. The #1-seeded Cardinals shut out #4 Ridgefield 3-0, in today’s second semi. The Wreckers get another shot at revenge in the FCIAC finals Monday at 6 p.m., again at Warde.
Fourth-ranked Stamford had control for the first 10 minutes. Both teams did not show the ball control they’d been known for all year; the ball was in the air more than it usually is for both sides.
But Staples overcame early jitters. In the 26th minute, defender Gabe Hellman launched one of his patented long throws, deep in the Black Knights’ end. Brendan Allen headed it along; it bounced a bit, then Gabe Duque’s shot was saved. But the ball still was not cleared. Allen — the University of Scranton commit — pounced, knocking it in from 1 yard out.
Stamford came back, forcing keeper Jack D’Amore into a great kick save; he then smothered a low shot.
With head coach Liam Witham urging his side on, with plenty of positivity, the Wreckers forced Stamford to bang balls forward. Noah Rossoni, Josh Whitaker and Lucas Alarcon all had good looks, in the final minute of the first half.
Knight keeper Magnus Smail has an aggressive style, and sure hands. He snagged everything high, and initiated counters well.
The second half began with his counterpart, D’Amore, called for a penalty kick after colliding with a Stamford striker. Both players were injured slightly; because the trainer attended to D’Amore, he had to come out.
Reserve keeper Zach Delman entered, for the PK. The sophomore waved his hands to distract the shooter.
It worked. The shot flew high — and Staples’ lead held.
Once again, the Knights refused to fold. But defenders Hellman, Dylan Shackelford, Spencer Girling and Adriano Carpi were equal to the task. They held their line, won key tackles — or won the ball back if they gave it up — and prevented any telling shots.
As always, Drew Hill toiled tirelessly, quietly — and very effectively — at midfield.
Adrian Rodriguez put on a sweet move in the 58th minute. He was taken down at the edge of the box, dead center. It was a golden opportunity to double their lead, but Stamford defended the free kick well.
Both Whitaker and Rodriguez had late opportunities. The first shot was wide by inches; Smail saved the second.
The Knights’ best chance came 4 minutes from time. An attacker picked up a long ball over the top, and cruised in alone. But he too shot wide.
From there on, the Wreckers managed the game.
When the final whistle blew, they celebrated. But not crazily.
They knew there is an even bigger game to play on Monday. FINAL SCORE: Staples 1, Stamford 0. SEASON RECORD: 16-2-0.
Spencer Girling splits 2 Knights. (Photo/John Walker)
Gabe Duque makes his move. (Photo/John Walker)
Brendan Allen on the move. (Photo/John Walker)
Adriano Carpi, ready and waiting. (Photo/John Walker)
Reserve keeper Zach Delman guesses correctly — but Stamford’s PK sails over the bar. (Photo/John Walker)
On to the finals! (Photo/John Walker)
Brendan Allen scores. Gabe Duque follows his previous shot; Gabe Hellmann is at left, after his throw-in. (Screenshot from The Ruden Report)
Brendan Allen (left) celebrates with Dylan Shackelford, Josh Whitaker and Ford Epstein. (Screenshot from The Ruden Report)
Joy and despair (Photo/Gavin Whitaker)
