Staples vs. Danbury – Match Report
The Wreckers have had success at Danbury’s stadium field. In 2012 they won 2-1 there to clinch an FCIAC berth. Last year they tied 1-1 on a goal with 5 seconds before halftime in regular season, then upset the higher-ranked Hatters 2-0 in the 1st round of the FCIAC tournament.
This year, Danbury is even better than last season. Staples knew they were up against a very strong team — as evidenced by the host’s 10-2-3 mark. They are quick, technically very strong, solid all over the field, especially strong at midfield, and very cohesive defensively. The loss of goalkeeper Ian Shannon in preseason did not hurt at all. Felix Escobar has stepped in superbly.
The 1st 15 minutes were back-and-forth — a feeling-out process. But Connor Warren caught the Wreckers in the 11th minute, giving his side an early lead.
The Wreckers regrouped, and at times had the territorial advantage. The match got physical on both sides — hard and chippy.
The 2nd half began with a Daniel Reid free kick. Five minutes later Reid went wide, hitting Daniel Perez Elorza. Graham Gudis roared upfield on the left, finishing clinically from the left side. It was a near-repeat of his goal on the same field last year.
Brenden Price made a couple of nice saves — one on a tough punch — but in the 55th minute the Hatters took the lead on a poised shot by Edwin Rosano. They got another with 15 minutes remaining, as Staples pressed forward.
The Wreckers did not concede at all. They battled to the end, in a match nowhere near as one-sided as the 3-1 score.
The FCIAC playoff picture is nearly complete (click here for details). Staples will be seeded 6th or 7th, and face either Darien or Wilton on Thursday (depending on the outcome of the Greenwich-New Canaan match Tuesday).
“We’ll play anyone anywhere, any time,” said head coach Dan Woog. “Our guys are very confident — not down at all, despite the loss. They love the style of soccer they’re playing; they’ve got confidence in themselves and their teammates — we’re ready for anything. This is the best time of year, and we can’t wait to begin the ‘second season.’ FINAL SCORE: Danbury 3, Staples 1. FINAL SEASON RECORD: 8-4-4.
QUICK KICKS: Staples outshot Danbury 17-8, and had 9 corner kicks to the Hatters’ 2….
The reserves beat Danbury 2-1. Jesse Haymes and Danny Jersey scored, assisted by Rory Steele and Shane Dasbach….
The freshmen shut out Danbury. Ollie Lindenbaum worked the ball up the sidelines and making a great cross to Azam Plummer, who hit a beautiful header into the corner. Goal #2 came off another nice cross from Lindenbaum, this time slotted home by Brad Cox. Jared Wainshal received from Cox and drilled the 3rd goal, while the 4th was a volley from Gabe Baltierra. Will Foisie owned the center of the field.
Josh Berman, Teddy Lawrence, Brenden Price, Daniel Reid and Graham Gudis get ready for a Danbury corner kick. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
Spencer Daniels sprints upfield. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
Jack Zeldes gets double-teamed. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
