Staples vs. Darien
Last year Darien shocked Staples 1-0, on the victors’ turf. The Blue Wave went on to record one of their best seasons ever.
They’re a young squad this fall — as is Staples. Both teams suffered 1-goal losses to Ridgefield and Wilton. On Monday, the Wavers fell 2-1 to then-undefeated New Canaan. (The Rams lost 2-1 to Wilton today.)
This afternoon’s match was moved to Wakeman Field — only the 2nd time the Wreckers have played an official home match there — where Staples started out less sharp than against Greenwich, 2 days ago.
But they got a spark in the 12th minute. Joe Greenwald’s shot rebounded out to Joe Pravder. He fed Jordan McNair, who took another rip. The ball bounced around a while, before Ethan Bradeen banged it in.
Seven minutes later Greenwald ran onto a loose ball, just beyond midfield. With the keeper way out, the Wrecker co-captain curled it around him, just inside the far post.
Five minutes after that, it was 3-0. Connor Weiler slotted a ball from the corner; Andrew Puchala was there to finish cleanly.
The Wave got 1 back a minute after halftime, with a shot from distance that clanged off the inside of the left post.
But Bradeen re-upped the margin to 3 in the 60th minute. His shot — assisted by Weiler — came in another goalmouth scramble.
The Westporters got solid contributions from Charlie Leonard, Sam Koenig, Matt Liebergall, Patrick Beusse, Michael Re-d, George Kokallis and Jon Denowitz over the final 20 minutes. Freshman keeper Noah Schwaeber — making his varsity debut — recorded 2 saves. FINAL SCORE: Staples 4, Darien 1. SEASON RECORD: 5-3-1.
QUICK KICKS: Bradeen’s 2 goals, and Puchala’s 1, means that defenders accounted for 75% of the Wreckers’ scores…
Todd Champagne ’94 — co-captain of the 1993 state championship team — was at today’s match. He lives in California, and was en route to Vermont, where he’ll see former teammate Brian Burns ’94….
The freshmen shut out Darien 2-0. Carl Amacker and Chase Gornbein netted the goals.
Noah Bender makes it look easy. (Photo by Carl McNair)
Matt Liebergall moves upfield, against Darien. (Photo by Carl McNair)
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