Match Report: Staples vs. Greenwich

The 2023 Staples boys soccer team is for real.

The Wreckers scored early — very early — in each half. They added excellent defense, strong goalkeeping, sound tactics and plenty of heart, and emerged with a decisive 2-0 victory over Greenwich this afternoon at Wakeman Field.

It was the first loss of the year for the Cardinals. They started the year 6-0-0 — and were ranked #7 in the nation. They’re also the defending state LL champions.

Staples raises their record to 5-0-1. They have surrendered only one goal all year, and head into Saturday’s game against Wilton (12 p.m., Wakeman Field) with confidence and pride.

The first early strike came 3:21 in. Avery Mueller picked up a loose ball near the edge of the box. He zeroed in on keeper John Junius, drew him out, then finished clinically.

The second goal was just 2 minutes after intermission. Mueller fed Emmett Nivaud. His sliding volley to the back post squeezed under Junius. It was the junior’s second goal in 2 games.

Rather than sitting back, the hosts tried to stick the dagger in. They attacked relentlessly and with speed, and had several good opportunities.

The Cards had their chances too. But Santi Alfageme led his back line with authority. Jack Schwartz, Zach Beebe and Cormac Mulvey showed poise, positioning and tenacity, limiting Greenwich for the most part to hopeful shots from medium range. Keeper Nick Sikorski was well-positioned too, catching every ball cleanly and leading with an authoritative voice.

The visitors were also stymied by the midfield work of Adam Syah, Zach Gorin, Elliot Galin and — making the most of his first start — Ryan Sjunka.

The match marked a big step forward for the still-young Wreckers, who started only 4 seniors. But the word will now be out throughout the FCIAC, if it isn’t already: the Wreckers are for real.

They’ll have a target on their backs. And every match will continue to be an 80-minute battle. FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Greenwich 0. SEASON RECORD: 5-0-1.

QUICK KICKS; The junior varsity shut out previously unbeaten Greenwich 3-0. Luca Caniato reports: Staples pressed high up from the start. Gabe Duque found the ball, then found a pocket of space on the wing. He lobbed a pass over the defense. Josh Whittaker timed his run perfectly, connecting as the ball fell to his foot and finishing between the keeper’s legs. The Wreckers continued to dominate. Brendan Allen faked a shot on his right, shifted to his left, then unhesitatingly fired into the upper left corner. The Westporters continued to apply pressure with patient possession. Greyson Downe seized a poor clearance, picking up the ball at the left corner of the 18 and rifling a shot into the the bottom right. The second half featured disciplined soccer, allowing little penetration. Drew Hill played a crucial role keeping the Wreckers on the front foot when they had the ball, and winning it back when they were without it ….

In the freshman game, Greenwich scored on a a penalty kick in the first minute. Staples was awarded its own PK in the 20th minute, when Adrian Rodriguez was hit hard from behind. That penalty was saved. But 10 minutes later Arthur Khisyamov crashed the box to put back a rebound of Max Hill’s shot. The Cards scored 5 minutes into the second half. With 20 minutes to go, Rodriguez returned to actin. Noah Rossoni lofted a free kick from midfield that Rodriguez one-timed home. Four minutes later, Hill hit an Avery Mueller-like header into the back of the net, off a Lucas Alarcon-Frias corner. Three minutes after that, Hill willed his way through 3 defenders and the keeper, to notch his second goal and seal the 4-2 win. Though Staples had the run of play, Greenwich showed dangerous corners and tough play. Coach Chris O’Dell hailed his defensive unit of Jonah Bomback, Sasha Cherep, Owen Green and leader Ryan Allen for their strong play….

Congratulations to varsity junior Sam Rossoni. He’s one of 3 Staples students selected to travel to Le Havre, France in November for a special international summit. He was chosen for his excellent grades, and interest in foreign affairs.