Staples Vs. Choate (Pre-Season Scrimmage)
When Harding postponed its FCIAC opener with Staples, the Wreckers quickly picked up a scrimmage with Choate. The elite private school offered new, strong competition, on an immaculate field.
Despite missing 2 starters (injury and illness), the blue-and-whites controlled the pace and play — for the 1st 15 minutes. Then the hosts found their rhythm, and slowly took over. Two 1st-half goals, coming off defensive breakdowns, and one early in the 2nd gave the gold-and-blue a commanding lead.
Yousef Shahin’s corner kick — aided by Diego Alanis in front of the keeper — cut the final margin to 3-1.
“This match exposed some of our weaknesses,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We needed a good test against a quality opponent we’ve never seen, and we got it. Now we know we have to prepare extra hard for Ridgefield.”
Staples’ FCIAC opener is set for Thursday, 4 p.m. at Tiger Hollow.
Diego Alanis — shown in action last year — fronted the keeper on Yousef Shahin’s corner kick. (Photo by Carl McNair)
