Match report: Staples vs. Westhill
It was perfect soccer weather: early fall, slightly cool, no wind, overcast.
It was a perfect crowd: large and enthusiastic. The Hill was filled with alumni, young kids, and the Staples Barbecue Club.
They enjoyed a very entertaining match. Despite missing 2 starters — Josh Berman (illness) and Matt Engler (broken wrist) — the Wreckers stuck to their game plan. They spread the field, played to feet, defended together and communicated well.
Soccer is a simple game, and they played simply. The 1st goal came in the 13th minute. Daniel Reid — who owned the right side — delivered a cross. It was cleared back to him, so he one-timed another ball across the goalmouth. Anton Mahr buried it near post — also on his 1st touch.
The hosts had more opportunities — particularly a blast by Will Birch off the post, a header by Spencer Daniels and a shot by Jannis Dietze off Matteo Broccolo’s free kick — in the first half. Smart, tight defense by Teddy Lawrence, Sam Kantor and Chris Martenson kept the Vikings at bay.
The opening kickoff after intermission set the 2nd half tone. Reid raced in, and almost finished just 10 seconds in. Westhill’s best chance came 3 minutes later, but the shot was wide. Keeper Ziggy Hallgarten still had not handled the ball.
In the 57th minute, a series of crosses and shots — reminiscent of the St. Joseph match 3 days earlier — had the boisterous crowd wondering how the ball could not go in. And — just like St. Joe’s — the Westporters scored moments later.
Dietze zipped through the defense, then laid off for Thomas Nealon. He went baseline and gave a nice pass to Daniels. The quad-captain roofed his shot, for an authoritative finish.
Staples continued to attack, and to keep the Vikes at least 25 yards from the goal defensively.
The blue-and-whites nearly got a 3rd goal 6 minutes from time. Reid made a fine run forward, earning a corner. Lawrence’s power-header was destined for the net — until it hit a teammate.
“I’m glad we were able to give this good crowd a good game,” said head coach Dan Woog. “The alums who were here all talked about how much they love games like this, and miss being on Loeffler Field themselves. Our goal now is to keep it going.” FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Westhill 0. SEASON RECORD: 4-2-3.
QUICK KICKS: Entering the match, Staples (3-2-3) and Westhill (4-4-0) were tied in the FCIAC standings, on points….
Alumni on The Hill included Grant Sirlin ’16, Charlie Leonard ’15, Dean Landis ’95, Peter Doolittle ’88, Jem Sollinger ’88, Andy Udell ’88, Jon Walker ’88, Todd Coleman ’84 and Mike Brown ’83….
The Wreckers wore pink wristbands, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month….
Reserves Ryan Fincher and Brad Cox dressed for the varsity match….
The reserves whipped Westhill 4-2. Andrew Marshall fed Steven Frost; Lefty Penderakis touched in Brad Cox’s free kick; Wilson Daniels’ pressure led to a poor clearance, after which Cox finished his own rebound, and Alejandro Perez Elorza pressured strongly to create the final goal. Coach Nicky Hoberman’s side is now 5-0-3….
The freshmen shut out Westhill 5-0. Goals came from Tadeo Messenger, Emerson Anvari, Lars Djuve, Benny Feuer and Evan Siegel. Feuer and Sam Liles each racked up 2 assists, while Carter Bassler added 1. Coach Russell Oost-Lievense called this “a great team effort, and our best game by far all year.” The frosh are now 4-1-0.
Tyler Wright and Jannis Dietze celebrate Spencer Daniels’ (#9) goal. Daniel Reid is happy too. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Sam Kantor has been a defensive force for Staples. He’s also very dangerous going forward. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Sophomore Gabe Baltierra is the 1st defensive substitution for Staples. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
A future Staples soccer star shows his allegiance. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
The Wreckers wore pink wristbands, for breast cancer awareness. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Ryan Fincher has been playing very well for the reserves (above). He got a call-up to varsity against Westhill. (Photo/Alan Frost)
