Match Report: Staples vs. Central

Neither Staples nor Central was at full strength today, at Bridgeport’s Kennedy Stadium.

The Wreckers rested 5 players — 4 starters, and an early substitute — with nagging injuries (none major).

The Hilltoppers were down a few too, for various reasons.

Staples’ depth was a difference-maker. Ben Douglas started his first match of the year at central midfield, while Matt Shackelford – who had been scoring in bunches for the reserves — got the nod up top. Both are juniors.

Shackelford got the visitors on the scoreboard first. He picked up a ball from Jaden Mueller, then finished in his trademark clinical style.

Reese Watkins banged a ball off the post, then found the net off an assist from Shackelford. The play began with Aidan Mermagen.

Five minutes before halftime, Shackelford got his 2nd assist, on a ball to sophomore Avery Mueller.

Nick Sikorski made his varsity debut as the 2nd half began, replacing Jacob Greenberger in goal. Also on the field for the first time was junior Alex Laskin.

All healthy players saw action, and there was no letup. Laskin, Ryan Thomas, then Avery Mueller combined to get the ball to Matthew Jordan, whose goal was a blast from distance.

Avery Mueller picked up his 2nd assist, on another rocket — this one by Thomas.

Thomas quickly netted an assist himself, on Mermagen’s no-angle goal.

Avery Mueller finished the scoring on a long chip after a seeing-eye ball from Spencer Levine.

It was the 2nd win in 3 days for Staples. But they have no time to rest. They’re back in action Friday, with a 4 p.m. kickoff at St. Joseph. FINAL SCORE: Staples 7, Central 0. SEASON RECORD: 7-1-3.

QUICK KICKS: The 7 goals were the most for the Wreckers since 2016. That match (7-1) also came against Central ….

The reserves shut out Central 4-0. Goals came from James Corridon, Jaeon Anglin, Lucas Carpi and Kyle Stretton. Two were headers ….

The freshmen also had a clean sheet, topping Fairfield Ludlowe 5-0. Emmett Nivaud, Sebi Cruz, Zach Gorin, Andre Albanese and Wilfred Hurley all tallied.