Scrimmage Report: Staples vs. Martin Luther King
Last year, Staples was honored to host Martin Luther King High School. After a close 1st half, the longtime powerhouse — winner of 15 of the last 18 New York City public school championships — pulled away for a 4-1 win.
Today, MLK returned for a 2nd visit. A huge Labor Day crowd packed The Hill for another epic encounter.
Neither team disappointed, on a blazingly hot afternoon. Six minutes in, Aidan Wisher raced in on the keeper. Only a great defensive save stopped the senior midfielder from scoring.
Staples had what looked like a goal, but the official called a foul in the goalmouth.
In the 15th minute, junior keeper Ziggy Hallgarten made a save. But he could not hold on, and King took the lead on a no-angle shot. It was the 1st goal surrendered by the Wreckers this pre-season, after 275 minutes of play.
Seven minutes later, sophomore Matt Engler combined with junior midfielder Daniel Reid, up the middle. Daniel Perez Elorza’s shot was deflected, but Engler alertly followed up to knot the game.
Staples had another excellent opportunity off a Daniel Brill flick; Hallgarten saved an MLK corner (with help from the post), and the half ended 1-1.
Wisher continued to attack well, and Staples’ defense got stronger as the 2nd half went on. In the 60th minute defender Josh Berman tried to head in Reid’s free kick. He couldn’t get it on frame — but the ball popped up and back to his own head. The junior’s 2nd attempt was succesful, for a great 2nd effort and a 2-1 lead.
MLK pressured well at the end. But the Wreckers hung tough, for a well-earned victory.
Both teams then headed to Compo Beach, for a cookout, volleyball, and a continuation of what has quickly become one of the highlights of Staples’ soccer year.
“We’ve had a solid preseason,” said head coach Dan Woog. “It’s nice to go 4-0-2. But all that means nothing now. On Friday we head to Trumbull (3:45 p.m. kickoff). They’ve had our number for the past 10 years. We have to be ready for the toughest match yet.”
He paused. “I think we will be.”
Kenji Goto and Josh Berman (center) lead the celebration for Berman’s goal. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Kenji Goto (with ball) plays out of the back. Josh Berman and Aidan Wisher provide cover. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Daniel Reid finds a way to move upfield against Martin Luther King. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
Staples and MLK players joined together for beach volleyball, after the soccer match. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
