Match Report: Staples vs. Bridgeport Central
Just 44 seconds had elapsed this afternoon when Will Murray won a hard tackle, Emmett Nivaud crossed, and a Bridgeport Central defender knocked the ball in for an own goal.
It looked like the rout was on, at Wakeman Field.
It wasn’t.
Hilltopper keeper Dovens Noger saved an 18th-minute penalty kick, and added several other outstanding stops. His defense stood up well to Staples pressure.
The Wreckers did not get a second goal until 5 minutes were left in the first half. Sophomore Adrian Rodriguez picked up a loose ball, and cruised in alone.
But the visitors — with just a 1-6-0 record, against tough opponents — pulled within one, on a 50th-minute penalty shot. Then, gaining confidence, they made a game of it, battling hard right to the end.
Central had several chances, including a corner kick headed just wide in the 71st minute. A last-minute free kick was also headed out of bounds.
Strong defense by Alex Kuster — including a key sliding tackle late in the match — was a key to the 2-1 victory. Staples coach Russell Oost-Lievense played several reserves through much of the second half, showing confidence that they could see the game through.
At the midway point in the season, the Wreckers are 5-3-0. They look to continue their 3-game winning streak on Friday (4 p.m., Wakeman Field), against Fairfield Warde. FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Bridgeport Central 1. SEASON RECORD: 5-3-0.
QUICK KICKS: The first members of the Staples Boys Soccer Foundation have been added to the website. Click here for the charter members; scroll down on that page to join ….
Aaron Varsov got his first varsity start today …
The junior varsity defeated Bridgeport Central 7-2. Arthur Khisyamov and Owen Perry scored two goals each; Emmett Zahler, and freshmen Max Caro and Kai Massicott notched one each.
Drew Hill, Gabe Duque and Perrin Root, in the wall.
Zach Beebe and Cormac Mulvey go forward on a set piece against Central.
Jack D’Amore
