Match Report: Staples vs. Trumbull

Because of its very low scoring, in soccer — more than perhaps any other sport — the difference between a win and a loss often comes down to one opportunity.

Today, Trumbull took advantage of their best chance. Staples did not.

The 1-0 home victory raises the Eagles’ FCIAC record to 5-2-3 (5-3-3 overall). The Wreckers drop to 6-5-0. They have 4 league games remaining, in a 12-team battle for 8 FCIAC (league) playoff spots. On Tuesday, they travel to Danbury — one of those dozen contenders — for a 6 p.m. match.

The Westporters stretched Trumbull wide today, employing their quick passing to good advantage. The Eagles countered with their traditional game plan: playing balls over the top.

The Wreckers’ Alex Kuster continued to shine defensively, winning everything in the air and clearing a couple of balls off the line. Cormac Mulvey complemented him well, on the flank. Josh Whitaker ran at players from the left side, making life hard for the Trumbull backs. Will Murray, Zach Gorin and Emmett Nivaud — followed by Perrin Root and Drew Hill — helped build plays from midfield.

Staples’ golden opportunity came midway through the first half. They had a virtually open goal, with the keeper out of the box, but could not pull the trigger.

Three strong corner kicks in a row were dangerous, but could not connect. The Eagle back line blocked several potential chances.

With Staples about to close out a solid first half — and ready for coach Russell Oost-Lievense to make a couple of tweaks — the game turned. Just 40 seconds before intermission, Trumbull worked the ball down the left side, then scored on a cross through the box.

The goal gave them momentum, as the second half began. Keeper Christian Rinaldi saved strongly in the 53rd minute.

With 20 minutes to go, the Wreckers ramped up the urgency. The hosts tried to hang on, under pressure, clearing balls long rather than trying to possess and build.

But they hung on well. Their best opportunity was the margin of victory.

And the FCIAC playoff race tightened even more. FINAL SCORE: Trumbull 1, Staples 0. SEASON RECORD: 6-5-0.

QUICK KICKS: Over the past 20 years, Trumbull has by far the best record against Staples, of any FCIAC team. Since 2004 the Wreckers have won just 3 times against the Eagles, while losing 13 times and tying 9 ….

With 9 minutes to go, Trumbull’s keeper was shown a yellow card for time wasting. He had to be replaced, but returned on the next out of bounds …

The Staples boys soccer live auction continues through 10 p.m. Sunday. Click here to view the many great items, and bid …

The Wreckers’ 16 seniors will be celebrated tomorrow (Sunday, October 6). The ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m., at Loeffler Field ….

Owen Green reports on the junior varsity match: “10 minutes in, Arthur Khisyamov put Staples in front, off a rebound from 5 yards out. The rest of the half was similar, with both teams producing few threatening chances.

“The 2nd half energy was very different. Owen Perry won the ball off the kickoff, and found the left corner to put Staples up by 2. With 20 minutes remaining, the Wreckers won a free kick 20 yards out. Nico Reyna hit the ball under the keeper’s outstretched arms, to further the advantage. The Wreckers defended well the rest of the way, to earn the 3-0 clean sheet.” …

The freshmen won 3-2, in an excellent match against Trumbull. The first 2 goals — by Kai Massicott and Spencer Derakhshan — were headers off corner kicks. An Eagles penalty kick halved the margin. The Wreckers went up 3-1, on great combination play between Jaden Waldman, Liam Shaw and Henry Green. The visitors made it 3-2 late in the game, on a free kick through the box. Coach Chris O’Dell commended Eli Zev for his strong play, and keeper Andrew Ridloff for a superb save on a point blank, 1-0n-1 shot.