Staples vs. Brien McMahon – Match Report
Last year’s Staples-Brien McMahon match was postponed twice — once when there were no officials, the 2nd time when a transformer blew and cut power to the lights.
This year, the game did not start on schedule either. This time though, it began 90 minutes early.
McMahon moved up the start time, due to a forecast of stormy weather tonight.
The Senators brought only a 3-4-0 record into the match at newly turfed Jack Casagrande Field. But they have several very talented players, and move the ball quickly and smartly.
Staples does that too, when they focus. Tonight, for long stretches, they did just that.
The Wreckers drew first blood, 15 minutes in. Graham Gudis laced a free kick from 35 yards out. Josh Berman power-headed home, for an early lead.
Four minutes later, Berman started a play that Daniel Reid continued. His pass through a seam in the defense found Timmy Liles on the right side. The sophomore cruised in and banked a shot off the post, for his 1st varsity goal.
The 2-0 lead was halved 2 minutes later, off a Senator corner kick.
Staples came right back, with 2 more stellar chances in the next 4 minutes. Both times the ball was inches from the goal line. Neither chane was converted.
But the guests did get a 3rd goal, in unlikely fashion. Reid’s free kick from midfield seemed like an easy save. Yet the keeper let the ball slip through his fingers — an error few people saw, because most were getting ready for the punt they expected.
McMahon applied more pressure in the 2nd half. But with Berman and Kenji Goto standing strong in back — flanked by Broccolo, Teddy Lawrence, and then Andres Marmelo, Grant Sirlin and Chris Martenson — Staples managed the match to the end.
“We closed out September a lot more strongly than we started it,” said head coach Dan Woog. “Now we get ready for a very tough October. Fairfield Ludlowe should be a great test.” That match is set for Friday (October 2, 4 p.m., Loeffler Field) — weather, of course, permitting. FINAL SCORE: Staples 3, Brien McMahon 1. SEASON RECORD: 5-1-1.
QUICK KICKS: Staples outshot McMahon 11-5, and led in corner kicks 5-1….
Anton Mahr made his varsity debut, after missing 6 matches with a concussion….
Graham Gudis was named Norwalk Hour Male Athlete of the Week for his performance against St. Joseph….
The reserve match was postponed, and will be rescheduled.
Noah Schwaeber snags a low ball at Brien McMahon. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Daniel Reid, in hot pursuit of Stathi Panagiotidis. (Photo/Armelle Daniels)
Josh Berman, doing what he does best. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
