Staples vs. Brien McMahon
The Senators who came to Loeffler Field for the resumption of 1 of the FCIAC’s oldest rivalries bore a seldom-seen record: 2-1-6.
With high-scoring Aleko Petridis, they’ve played everyone tough. Staples girded for a good battle.
In the 7th minute Brendan Lesch banged Mikey Scott’s throw-in off the crossbar. Two minute later Greg Gudis took a Lorenz Esposito feed, switched fields, and sent Max Hoberman through on another good chance.
Within a minute, the Wreckers connected — and it counted. Scott’s throw found Lesch, who raced forward. He sprung Gudis, who showed great composure by settling and finishing firmly.
Two quiet seniors — Jake Krosse and Court Lake — were important engines for Staples. Krosse paired with Gudis well, while Lake — who ended up playing 3 different positions — stuck in hard, won balls, then initiated creative forays forward.
Krosse’s free kick in the 22nd minute led to goal #2. It banged around McMahon’s end before Scott laid off to sophomore Lorenz Esposito, who banged it in.
The 2nd half saw another crossbar shot — this one by Esposito, off a ball from Lesch — and then, in the 56th minute, another near score off a Scott free kick. That led to a Scott throw, which in turn led to a fierce and protracted goalmouth scramble. Gudis finally ended the action with a firm strike.
Sean Gallagher, Frankie Bergonzi, Jake Malowitz and Ben Root anchored the defense, keeping Petridis at bay. All 23 healthy players saw action, with AJ Green and Taylor McNair showing particular bark and bite on opposite flanks. Final score: Staples 3, Brien McMahon 0. Season record: 7-2-1.
QUICK KICKS: In other FCIAC action, Fairfield Warde handed Norwalk only its 2nd defeat of the year, 2-1….
The junior varsity shut out McMahon 6-0. Terence Gibbons continued his scoring spree, with 2 goals; Kyle Hoberman, Jay Kaplan, Ryan Petersen and Noah Bender netted one each. All 3 keepers — David Levi, Ryan Moran and Tucker Rizzi — played well.
Jake Krosse does not let a Brien McMahon Senator deter him from the ball. Frankie Bergonzi backs up the play. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Sean Gallagher appears to be having plenty of fun with this head ball. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Frankie Bergonzi, Sean Gallagher, Greg Gudis, Ben Root and Jake Krosse joke around with McMahon player (and friend) Aleko Petridis — during the match. (Photo by Carl McNair)
