Match Report: Staples vs. Stamford
Stamford sure did not play like a 3-7-0 team.
Then again, Staples is much better than its 3-5-1 record showed.
The teams went toe-to-toe today, in an end-to-end, ebbing-and-flowing, well-played match at Wakeman field.
The Wreckers were without Avery Mueller. The junior midfielder picked up his third yellow card of the season last week at Trumbull, forcing him to sit the next game.
Staples goalkeeper Nick Sikorski and his Black Knight counterpart were well positioned, with sure hands. The Westporter saved well in the 23rd minute, on a great ball over the top.
The Wreckers fired more shots than in any contest so far. But the score remained deadlocked through halftime.
In the 61st minute, Ethan Cukier blocked a clearance off a back pass. He cruised quickly through the box, and slotted his shot home for a 1-0 lead. It was the first goal of his varsity career.
The goal sparked Staples, as they pressed for a second score.
Stamford did not back down either. Solid play by midfielders Dylan Hoke and Luca Escalarte, plus steady defense from Ben Douglas, Hunter Smith and Santi Alfageme kept the visitors at bay.
Hoke stole and fired, 7 minutes from time. His hard shot was saved. Four minutes later he stole again, and nearly scored.
With just 1:29 remaining, Alex Laskin’s laced a long free kick into the penalty area. Cukier ran on, and nodded it in. The second goal of his varsity career was the insurance goal Staples needed.
This was the first of a 3-games-in-5 day stretch for the victors. They host Bridgeport Central on Wednesday, and St. Joseph on Friday. Both games are 4 p.m., at Wakeman Field. FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Stamford 0. SEASON RECORD: 4-5-1.
QUICK KICKS: Both the reserves and freshman matches were postponed.
Ethan Cukier scores his first goal against Stamford …
… and celebrates with teammates.
Alex Laskin assesses his options. (Photos/Mark Sikorski)
