Match Report: Staples vs. Greenwich
Looking for a re-set after a tough 1-0 loss to New Canaan, Staples traveled to unbeaten (2-0) Greenwich with a slightly rejiggered lineup today, and a determined attitude.
The Wreckers’ goal was to put their mark on the match, controlling the ball and tempo. They gave the Cards no quarter, stepping up to win balls on the ground and doing a good job in the air too.
The first half was even. Keeper Nick Sikorski saved a deflection; Alex Laskin laced a free kick that resulted in a corner.
Greenwich’s first shot came in the 14th minute, off a give-and-go in the box. They attacked often on the right side, but defender Hunter Smith was solid there. Zach Beebe manned the right side well, in his first start. Ben Douglas and Cole Lieberman commanded the back line, catching the Cards offside several times.
A heavy downpour made the turf and ball slippery, but both sides adapted well.
Sikorski handled a 30 yard free kick in the 30th minute, then a lofted ball 5 minutes after that.
Greenwich had a dangerous free kick 20 seconds before half. Again, the Westporters held.
But 31 seconds after intermission, a goal broke the deadlock. A clearance out of the back was intercepted by Greenwich. A quick pass to Lucas Luzuriaga finished the bang-bang play.
Undeterred, the Wreckers went back to work. Douglas went out with 20 minutes to go, after a nasty collision, but Campbell Gerrard filled in well. Going forward, he drew a foul on a corner kick, from 20 yards out. Avery Mueller delivered a great ball to Jonny Costello. The sophomore was in close, but his shot ricocheted off the crossbar.
Greenwich, meanwhile, was clogging the middle against the Wreckers. Mueller sent a dangerous ball through the box in the 70th minute; then Smith added a free kick into the mix.
Staples continued to press. Mueller shot high, with 5 minutes remaining. But the Cards were dangerous on the counter, and kept Staples honest in back.
Like Saturday, this ended with the blue-and-whites on the wrong end of a 1-0 score. But it was a much more positive match than the previous one. Coach Russell Oost-Lievense’s boys should feel confident as they head north on Friday, for a 3:45 p.m. contest at Danbury. FINAL SCORE: Greenwich 1, Staples 0. SEASON RECORD: 1-2-0.
QUICK KICKS: The reserves dominated possession in the first half, but fell behind 1-0 at Greenwich. A few substitutions swung the game around. James Corridon finished Archie Lynch’s great free kick. Corridon then sent Colin Stretton through. He finished top left, for a 2-1 edge. But the Cards caught Staples twice on counters, and pulled out a 3-2 victory….
Coach Elisee Joseph’s freshman squeezed Greenwich from the back, and routed them 7-1. Zach Gillman led the wya with 2 goals. Josh Whittaker, Owen Potack, Owen Perry, Dylan Shackelford and Chase Cammeyer added solo strikes ….
Jaden Mueller ’22 is one of only 2 freshmen on the Providence College club soccer team. They face Fairfield University this Saturday at noon, at Rafferty Stadium.
Cole Lieberman controls in the rain at Greenwich. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Hunter Smith is a rock on defense. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Ethan Cukier gets air. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Jonny Costello’s shot at Greenwich hits the crossbar, and caroms high. Campbell Gerrard (25), Lucas Carpi (9) and Dylan Hoke (5) are ready to follow up. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
