Match Report: Staples vs. Enfield [UPDATE — PHOTOS ADDED]
Enfield drove nearly 2 hours — from their high school near the Massachusetts border — to Wakeman Field, for today’s match versus Staples.
Then they parked their bus in the goalmouth.
Not literally, of course. “Parking the bus” is soccer terminology for putting 10 or 11 players behind midfield — several of them in the penalty area — in the hopes of preventing opponents from scoring.
It’s a strategy a team uses against a stronger foe. They hope for a lucky break themselves, but are happy to hunker down for a 0-0 draw.
The plan worked for 60 minutes. But — as they did against New Canaan earlier in the week — the Wreckers were patient. They knocked on the door, then waited to knock it down.
Once Owen Perry got the go-ahead goal, the Eagles utilized a high press, and began attacking. They created several excellent opportunities — including 4 straight corner kicks. But a well-taken strike by Adrian Rodriguez sealed the deal.
Staples’ 2-0 win marked the first time in 68 years they’d faced the northerners. Enfield was coming off a 4-0 loss to E.O. Smith-Storrs. The game came about because both sides were looking for a non-league contest, to fill out the regular season schedule. Next year, Staples will travel there.
The hosts were missing 2 starters: quad-captain Dylan Shackelford (injury) and Josh Whitaker (college visit). Nico Reyna and Emmett Zahler got starts, and made the most of their chances.
The first half, with a substantial wind at Staples’ back, was largely forgettable. The Wreckers possessed well, and knocked the ball around easily, but with little sense of urgency. Their first shot came in the 23rd minute; their best was from Noah Rossoni, and was kick-saved by sophomore keeper Jayson Wachtel. On one of Enfield’s rare forays upfield, Adriano Carpi — who has looked very strong, on both sides of the ball — cleared a shot off the line.
Rossoni had the best chance of the second half too, until Rodriguez made his mark.
In the 62nd minute Rossoni slotted a ball through the ball. Gabe Duque picked it up on the right side. His cross found Perry, who slid through and rammed it into the net.
Rodriguez looked like he’d made it 2-0 minutes later, but was ruled offside.
With the game opening up, Staples keeper Jack D’Amore made his best save of the year on a bending corner kick.
Rodriguez got a goal that counted 5 minutes from time. The junior finished with poise, off a long ball over the top from Lucas Alarcon-Frias.
Soon, the match was over. Staples kept a clean sheet, and Enfield headed back to their actual bus.
The match marked the first of 4 in a one-week span. The Westporters host Norwalk on Monday; travel to West Beach Field on Wednesday to play Stamford (both 4 p.m.), then are away again next Saturday at Darien (2 p.m.). FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Enfield 0. FCIAC RECORD: 2-0-0. REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 3-0-0.
Owen Perry, celebrating the game winner. Gabe Duque and Noah Rossoni are happy too. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Jack D’Amore’s great punch save against Enfield. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Gabe Duque evades a tackle. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Staples on 3! (Photo/Ryan Allen)
The freshman team showed up in force today, to support the varsity. They also sold plelnty of tickets for the car wash on September 14 (1720 Post Road East). (Photo/Suzanne Allen)
