Match Report: Staples vs. Central
Fall is here — but the sun was blazing for today’s noon encounter with Central at Kennedy Stadium.
The turf was replaced 2 years ago, good news for the Hilltoppers’ Brazilian-dominated squad. They’ve got excellent individual moves, and team speed — both of which they exploited well for much of the match. The squad is led by Jonathan Gomes, who has already been promised a full ride to Fairfield University.
Keeper Ry Cohen made two solid saves early, as play flowed end to end.
In the 25th minute Chris Martenson headed in fellow captain Matt Engler’s free kick — but an offside nullified the score.
Cohen followed 2 minutes later with a great save on a free kick, then boxed away an outswinger from the corner.
The Wreckers scored again — this time Anton Mahr, on another Engler free kick — but it too was called back, for another offside.
Central got the 1st goal that counted — just 1 minute before the half ended. It came on a long, looping shot from the left side, that nestled into the far side.
Cohen opened the 2nd half with a sliding save far outside the box — reminiscent of Ziggy Hallgarten’s last year against Greenwich, in the FCIAC playoff. But the junior keeper injured himself on the play, and came off the field. Sophomore Matt Epstein replaced him. He’s the Wreckers’ 3rd keeper of the year; starter Teddy O’Kane is out with a broken hand.
In the 48th minute Epstein saved at the top of the box, but was called for handling the ball outside it. The Wreckers reacted slowly; the Hilltoppers immediately put the ball down, and alertly played it into an empty net for a 2-0 lead.
Five minutes later, the Westporters threatened, off a free kick. But the ball was cleared to midfield, where the Bridgeporters won a footrace for their 3rd goal.
It was a long, hot afternoon for Staples. And next week, the FCIAC action heats up even more. Always-tough Greenwich and league-leading, undefeated Norwalk come to Loeffler Field, Monday and Wednesday.
The heart of the season is here. FINAL SCORE: Central 3, Staples 0. SEASON RECORD: 2-2-2.
QUICK KICKS: Central outshot Staples 6-5. The Wreckers had 3 corner kicks, to the Hilltoppers’ 2 ...
The reserves topped Central 5-1. Nick DiMasi scored twice; Jake D’Amico, Josh Buckman and Andrew Marshall added solo strikes.
Anton Mahr races upfield at Central. Patricio Perez Elorza and Timmy Liles follow. (Photo/Glen Wisher)
Chris Martenson weaves upfield. (Photo/Glen Wisher)
Callum Wisher gets tangled up at Central. (Photo/Glen Wisher)
The varsity at Kennedy Stadium, before the Central match. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
The Wreckers wore rainbow laces, raising awareness of LGBT diversity and inclusion as part of United Soccer Coaches’ #PlayWithPride initiative. (Photo/Alan Frost)
Andrew Marshall in action for the reserves at Central. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
