Match Report: Staples vs. Ridgefield
Most Staples-Ridgefield matches are tightly contested affairs. Some wild things have happened between the teams — particularly at Tiger Hollow.
Today was tight, but not particularly wild. The Tigers field a young, defensive-minded squad. The Wreckers — suffering from several injuries and illnesses — are solid defensively, but have struggled to score.
Much of the first half was played between the 18s. Staples’ defenders Surya Balaji, Brendan Lynch, Benny Feuer, Colin Corneck and Jack Foster trapped the hosts offside numerous times. Lynch had a key clearance off the line, on Ridgefield’s best opportunity. Up top, the Westporters tried to spread the field. But crosses were not cut back sharply enough, and were picked off by the keeper. Some free kicks and corners were squandered too.
Staples was led at midfield by Murilo Moreno. In the 2nd half he and his teammates pushed forward more, with better results. There were several good chances, including one from Emerson Anvari. A free kick by Patricio Perez Elorza was swatted away at the last second, by the keeper. The best came with 2 minutes to play. The bang-bang action ended with George Smith clanging a shot off the crossbar, from close range.
The Tigers were happy with their 0-0 draw. The Wreckers were not. Now they regroup for Thursday’s match at Darien. Kickoff is 4 p.m. FINAL SCORE: Staples 0, Ridgefield 0. SEASON RECORD: 5-3-3.
QUICK KICKS: Today’s point qualifies the Wreckers for the state tournament — for the 60th time in the program’s 61 years….
Georg Diettrich — a German exchange student who played on the 1989 team — was at the game. He and his family are visiting from their home near Hamburg….
The reserves topped Ridgefield 2-1. Sam Vannart and Thomas Corridon scored. Tim Liakh was the player of the match.
Patricio Perez Elorza and Lars Djuve double-team a Ridgefield Tiger. (Photo/Christina Bassler)
Sam Liles snakes through. (Photo/Christina Bassler)
Brendan Lynch had another strong game as a defender. (Photo/Christina Bassler)
