Match Report: Staples vs. Brien Mahon
Entering tonight’s match, Brien McMahon was 0-4-3.
They were also, says coach Dan Woog, “the best winless team I’ve ever seen.”
Under a full moon, the homestanding Seantors converged defensively the way the Wreckers do. They moved the ball quickly and confidently, as the Wreckers do. And they attacked with speed on the outside, as the Wreckers do.
In fact, after Anton Mahr had 2 good early chances — with Sam Liles sparking much of the play on the right side — the Norwalkers drew first blood. Jair Suarez’s looping shot from distance caught Staples by surprise.
The surprise lasted less than a minute. The Wreckers earned a corner kick. Matt Engler served a perfect ball. Mahr was there, banging in from close range.
Timmy Liles ripped a series of shots just wide. A Will Birch free kick was bobbled, for another corner — one of the Westporters’ 6 on the day. Steven Frost delivered a seeing-eye cross, but no one connected.
Staples’ quiet confidence at halftime served them well. They upped their game in the 2nd half. Frost again crossed the ball. Timmy Liles showed senior composure in the box, but his shot hit the post.
Three minutes later — in the 58th minute — Birch launched a superb cross to Timmy Liles. He chased it down, zipped down the right sideline, and turned the corner under heavy pressure. Once again Mahr was in exactly the right spot, to blast it home.
The Senators did not give up. They had several dangerous sorties. But defenders Chris Martenson, Ryan Fincher, Nick Ambrose and Callum Wisher worked as a unit, covering and sliding and preventing most dangerous shots. Ambrose cleared one ball off the line, and keeper Ry Cohen was positioned well on 2 saves.
Midfielder Vaughan Sealey also contributed take-no-prisoners defensive efforts, to go along with his work in the attacking third.
In the 73rd minute Timmy Liles stuck in hard. He won the ball, and shot — again off the post. Mahr’s alert follow-up was saved.
McMahon threatened again, on a free kick from close range. But the Wreckers again shut them down. Five minutes later, a 3rd straight 1-goal victory was theirs. FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Brien McMahon 1. SEASON RECORD: 5-2-2.
QUICK KICKS: Chris Martenson was named FCIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Month for September. The co-captain and defensive stalwart has a 4.0-plus GPA.
The reserves won 7-3 over Brien McMahon. Andrew Marshall and Benny Feuer scored 2 apiece; Brad Cox, Wilson Daniels and Nick Hein also tallied. Coach Nicky Hoberman singled out Cox, Emerson Anvari and Rob Diorio for their play, and cited the whole squad for their strong passing and combination play….
The freshmen fell 2-1 to Brien McMahon. Aidan Middlebrook scored. This is the 1st time in many years the Senators have fielded a 9th grade team.
Chris Martenson anchored the Wrecker defense at Brien McMahon. (Photo/Glen Wisher)
