Match Report: Staples vs. Greenwich
All-American Nick Bartels has graduated. But Greenwich has not missed a beat, roaring out to a 7-0-0 record to start the FCIAC season.
The Wreckers stumbled a bit out of the gate. On paper, their 2-2-2 mark should have meant that today’s clash at Cardinal Stadium would not be much of a contest.
But games are not played on paper.
Staples-Greenwich is always a tight affair, and this afternoon was no different. The 1st half did not feature great soccer, but it was very evenly played — and scoreless.
The 2nd half heated up dramatically. The hosts owned the first 10 minutes after intermission. But with Chris Martenson roaming well and stepping up in back, flanked by the fierce play of Teddy Lawrence and the smart positioning of Sam Kantor — with Matteo Broccolo holding the fort too — the Westport defense was more than up to the task.
Matt Engler was smooth and directional at midfield, aided ably by Will Birch, Jannis Dietze and Timmy Liles. Thomas Nealon created several fine chances, with killer through balls and crosses. Up top, Tyler Wright, Anton Mahr, Spencer Daniels and Danny Jersey pressured hard and well.
Keeper Ziggy Hallgarten made 2 superb saves — 1 in each half. One was a punch; the other was a hockey-style skate save. His alert coverage made several other stops seem routine. His strong voice aided the Wrecker cause too.
His counterpart — James Johnson — made his own fingertip save on a long Broccolo blast, in the 60th minute. That was among the Wreckers’ best chances of the day.
At the other end of the field, Lawrence cleared a near-certain goal off the line.
The final 15 minutes were among Staples’ best of the year. They kept coming at the Cards, keeping them on their heels — even powering forward with just 12 seconds to play.
The 0-0 final was a fair result. The Wreckers were the 1st team to snag a point from Greenwich this year.
But they are still just 2-2-3, one match from the midway point of the season. That halfway match will be played Wednesday, at St. Joseph. Game time is 4 p.m. FINAL SCORE: Staples 0, Greenwich 0. SEASON RECORD: 2-2-3.
QUICK KICKS: Staples was without the services of quad-captain Josh Berman (illness)….
The reserves also drew with Greenwich. Andrew Marshall scored in the 5th minute, but the Cards equalized with 1 minute to play. Will Foisie looked strong defensively, and keeper Ry Cohen had an excellent game….
The freshmen lost 2-0 to Greenwich.
Matteo Broccolo has been a strong and consistent force for Staples all year. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Ry Cohen had a great game in goal for the reserves at Greenwich. (Photo/Alan Frost)
Colin Corneck takes charge for the freshmen against Greenwich. (Photo/Glen Wisher)
