Match Report: Staples vs. Stamford

The Staples boys soccer team does not charge admission to matches.

But if fans had paid big bucks today at Wakeman Field, they would not be disappointed.

The day began with 2 undefeated teams — 3-0-0 Staples and 3-0-1 Stamford.

It ended that way too, in a highly entertaining match between 2 of the FCIAC’s top sides.

The match was originally scheduled for the Black Knights’ home field. But conditions on their turf field behind Boyle Stadium are bad, with numerous players slipping and incurring injuries. So coach Mike Summa made the decision to move all his home matches to the road. Stamford did wear their home black uniforms though, and Staples was in the “visitors”‘ white.

The squads are mirror images of each other. Both favor a short, quick-passing possession game. Both have individual and team speed, and creative playmakers, with sure-handed keepers who command the box.

Wrecker keeper Nick Sikorski had the first tough save, following Knight pressure. Emmett Nivaud’s long, treacherous shot was parried excellently by keeper Cristian Vitti.

Sikorski made a sliding stop Vitti then added his own, on a curving shot by Chase Watkins in traffic, and saved the rebound too. Two corner kicks led to a header by Santi Alfageme, that was alertly cleared off the line.

Zach Gorin earned a third corner kick. Watkins’ in-swinger found the head of Zach Beebe, who nodded it down and into the unprotected far corner.

The final 6 minutes of the half were equally compelling. Sikorski ranged far out of his box to save. Wrecker defenders Alfageme, Beebe, Jack Schwartz and Gabe Hellman continued to stand tall — on the ground and in the air — against a pair of sly, speedy attackers.

Thirteen minutes after intermission, Stamford drew level, on a shot from close range after rounding the right corner. The goal was the first given up by Staples all year — 316 minutes, including the first match against Ridgefield, halted by rain.

A year ago, Staples would have been flustered. But this team is a year more experienced and mature. They went right back to work, sticking to their game plan.

The Knights began banging balls forward, relying less on the control game that had gotten them this far. In the 70th minute Sikorski made a well-timed save on a ball whipped in from the right. Two minutes later, with Vitti out of the play, a Stamford defender cleared off the line.

Sikorski saved in the 75th minute; then a dangerous Knight shot flew high.

The small crowd at Wakeman Field got the entertaining match they didn’t have to pay for. They may well see a rematch — or two — in post-season play. FINAL SCORE: Staples 1, Stamford 1. SEASON RECORD: 3-0-1.

QUICK KICKS: Staples’ next match is Saturday, at Darien. It marks he Wreckers’ first visit ever to the Blue Wave’s football stadium. Kickoff is noon….

The junior varsity edged Stamford 1-0, on a 30-yard screamer from Josh Whittaker. Drew Hill and Spencer Girling won nearly every ball. Christian Rinaldi did double duty, in goal and at center back. Sam Rossoni took charge offensively….

The freshmen team’s “greatest show on turf” took their game to the Wakeman grass, and downed Stamford 7-2. Adrian Rodriguez opened the scoring just 20 seconds in, then got the second on a put-back. Noah Rossoni tallied the next 2, on a header and left-footed 20-yard rip. Max Hill headed in the fifth; Arthur Khisyamov got the sixth on a penalty kick after being taken down in the box, and Anit Arvind finished the day with a steal inside the 18, and a lightning-quick shot. Lucas Alarcon-Frias worked hard all over the field, and Owen Green did a great defensive job against strong, fast strikers.