Match Report: Staples vs. Bridgeport Central
Bridgeport Central arrived at Wakeman Field with a 1-10 record today.
When sophomore Jonny Costello scored his first varsity goal — just 8 minutes in, off a feed from junior Luca Escalarte — things looked bleak for the Hilltoppers.
But backed by solid goalkeeping, hard work and determination, the visitors kept Staples off the scoreboard for the next 56 minutes.
The Wreckers were doing all the right things: possessing, playing to feet, swinging the ball wide. They got off good shots.
Yet not until 16 minutes remained could they break the match open. That’s when Avery Mueller ripped a shot, and Matt Shackelford pounced on the rebound.
Staples added a third goal in the 70th minute. Escalarte picked up a loose ball, dribbled his defender, then finished bottom right. It was his first varsity goal too.
Shackelford netted his second tally one minute from time, off a nice assist from Josh Deitch.
The win lifts the Westporters to the .500 mark (5-5-1). They look to move over that on Friday. St. Joseph comes to Wakeman; kickoff is at 4 p.m. FINAL SCORE: Staples 4, Bridgeport Central 0. SEASON RECORD: 5-5-1.
QUICK KICKS: Head coach Russell Oost-Lievense started 3 seniors, 3 juniors and 5 sophomores. Among the sophs: defender Cormac Mulvey, celebrating his birthday …
The reserves shut out Bridgeport Central by the same 4-0 score. The Wreckers controlled he match, and got on the board when Luca Caniato whipped a corner kick to the near post, where Colin Stretton volleyed it in. The second half was even stronger. Caniato picked up a loose ball 20 yards from goal, and rifled in a scorcher. Stretton then fed Andrew Oppenheimer off a counter, for a 3-0 edge. Oppenheimer found the net again quickly, after Oliver van Aken sent him through for the brace.
Birthday boy Cormac Mulvey gets air.
Josh Deitch mans midfield.
Matt Shackelford strikes. (Photos/Mark Sikorski)
