Match Report: Staples vs. New Canaan
Patience pays off.
Noah Rossoni’s authoritative rebound goal in the 60th minute sparked Staples to a 1-0 win tonight, at New Canaan’s Dunning Field.
The Wreckers were the more organized side, in the physical but fairly played contest. They were rarely threatened, and though it took them three-quarters of the match to score, they were poised throughout. They stuck to their game plan, and after it worked, they fended off a vigorous fight from the Rams.
In his debut for Staples, coach Liam Witham started 9 seniors and 2 juniors — both of whom (Rossini and keeper Jack D’Amore) saw substantial time last year. Their experience paid off, with early domination.
In the first minute Rossini stole a pass, and shot just wide. Brendan Allen headed a corner kick past the far post. Rossini, Josh Whitaker, Gabe Duque and Ford Epstein combined well up front, while Drew Hill commanded midfield, backed by Adriano Carpi. Defenders Dylan Shackelford, Gabe Hellmann and Spencer Girling won the air game, while also playing confidently out of the back.
All over the field, the visitors were a step ahead of their foes. Staples pressure forced the Rams to play more quickly than they wanted to.
New Canaan’s excellent keeper kept the game close — and a superb header off the line by a defender denied a dangerous chance off Whitaker’s corner kick.
The hosts’ best chance of the first half was a 29th-minute header off a corner. It flew just high.
Five minutes later, Greyson Downes ripped the Wreckers’ best shot of the half. The junior — who returned to the squad after a year in the MLS Next academy league — was also saved well in the scond half.
Staples’ patience continued, even as the scoreless draw continued. New Canaan picked up the pace and began playing with confidence.
The Westporters’ patience bore fruit, with just 20 minutes remaining. Whitaker made a great move to drive down the right side. His low, hard blast was saved well — but not held. The ball bounced directly to Rossoni, perched in front. He fired first time, and the blue-and-whites had the goal they’d worked hard for.
The Rams conceded nothing. But the Wreckers kept them at bay, for a solid start to the season.
Neither team was near mid-season form. Nor should they be, in Game One.
Welcome to high school soccer, where matches come quickly. Staples’ home opener is Thursday (4 p.m., Wakeman Field) against Brien McMahon. They’re back at Wakeman on Saturday, for a non-league encounter with Enfield. Kickoff is noon. FINAL SCORE: Staples 1, New Canaan 0. SEASON RECORD: 1-0-0.
QUICK KICKS: The junior varsity opened with a 4-0 win over New Canaan. Goals came from Seb Carter (2), Kai Massicott and Henry Green, with assists by Owen Green, Loewe Epstein and Henry Green. Luca Roberts contributed strong defense….
Coach Luis Mandujan’s freshmen also cruised to a 4-0 victory over New Canaan. Goals came from Spencer Hollander, Gus Reyna, Kailan Spadea and Connor Jones — meaning all 3 captains scored. Pedro Almeida played excellently, Mandujan noted.
Starters vs. New Canaan. Front row (from left) Brendan Allen, Ford Epstein, Gabe Duque, Noah Rossoni, Gabe Hellmann. Rear: Drew Hill, Adriano Carpi, Spencer Girling, Josh Whitaker, Jack D’Amore, Dylan Shackelford. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A gash to Brendan Allen’s head sent the senior to the sidelines. (Photo/Dylan Shackelford)
Josh Whitaker, on the ball. (Photo/Michael Cammeyer)
