Match Report: Staples vs. Bridgeport Central [UPDATED — NEW PHOTOS]

The Staples boys soccer team returned from a rare 6-day layoff this evening, at Bridgeport Central’s Kennedy Stadium.

Ford Epstein slammed in a left-footed blast off Emmett Zahler’s long throw just 6 minutes in. It looked like the rout was on, against the winless Hilltoppers.

But the hosts played solid defense, tried to spring their speedy attackers loose, and made a game of it for the next half hour.

The Westporters got a second goal 2 minutes before intermission. Gabe Duque leaped high in the air, power-heading home an inswinging corner kick from his fellow captain Gabe Hellmann.

The final 40 minutes were entirely different. Josh Whitaker recorded a hat trick — one on a free kick — while Greyson Downes, Arthur Khisyamov and Peter Nelson added sole strikes, staking the Wreckers to an 8-1 win.

As the second half of the regular season begins, Staples is now 7-2-0 overall, 6-2-0 in the FCIAC. They’re making their move toward a top 4 league finish — meaning a home game to open the 8-team tournament.

Their next challenge comes Saturday, at Fairfield Warde (1 p.m.). The “Gold Game” match is a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research. It’s been organized by former Wrecker coaches Russell Oost-Lievense and Chris O’Dell, now members of the Mustangs’ coaching staff. Both teams will wear special socks, and spectators are encouraged to wear gold — not Staples blue or Warde red. Click here for the livestream. FINAL SCORE: Staples 8, Bridgeport Central 1. FCIAC RECORD: 6-2-0. OVERALL RECORD: 7-2-0.

QUICK KICKS: Ford Epstein’s diving header against Greenwich was voted “Play of the Week,” in voting by Ruden Report readers. He wins a t-shirt … and earns many online views …

The junior varsity shut out Central 10-0. Goals came from Ethan Katner (3) Derin Leon (2), Spencer Cammeyer, Kai Massicott, Ciaran Kennedy, Zach Selig and Ved Deo, with assists from Seb Carter and Selig (2 each), Jack Fenn, Seb Elizondo, Kennedy, Katner, and Deo. Keeper Harrison Waller took a turn on the field, and showed well.