Staples vs. Fairfield Warde — Match Report
How much parity is there in the FCIAC this year?
Before tonight’s match, Fairfield Warde was in 1st place, with an 8-2-4 mark. But the Mustangs had not yet assured themselves a spot in the 8-team playoffs.
The Wreckers were coming off a crushing loss to Wilton. And though that was their 1st loss in over a month, they had not won in 4 matches (3 were draws).
The blue-and-whites started out looking to wreck their hosts’ Senior Night. Daniel Brill partnered with Daniel Reid in central midfield, and with Graham Gudis playing perhaps his game as a Wrecker, Staples pushed forward well. Daniel Perez Elorza and Spencer Daniels pressured the Warde backs constantly, while Kenji Goto moved his backs up well to draw the Mustangs offside often. Jack Zeldes was a monster at right back.
Timmy Liles came on for Aidan Wisher. Still Staples pressed.
The 2nd half was a bit more even. But in the 57th minute Wisher earned a corner. Graham Gudis’ service seemed to carry a bit too far. But Berman managed to head it forward. Brill headed onward; Warde tried to clear. Finally, Perez Elorza pounced, and found the back of the net.
Staples moved in for the kill. But 9 minutes later the hosts equalized, off a long throw that no one cleared.
The Wreckers roared back. They had a golden opportunity on a corner, but no one was there.
Warde came back, forcing keeper Ziggy Hallgarten into his 1st tough save of the day. Another Mustang opportunity missed wide.
With 7 minutes to go, Staples again threatened. Tyler Wright earned a corner kick. Once again, the ball rolled out of bounds without a dangerous Staples shot.
Suddenly, with just over 2 minutes to play — after another missed attempt by the Wreckers — Warde caught Staples’ defense in an even-numbers situation. And — as has happened before — the Mustangs made the most of that rare chance.
It was a harsh defeat. Warde now has clinched at least an FCIAC playoff berth — and could still retain the top seed.
The Wreckers have 3 matches left, starting Wednesday (vs. Trinity Catholic — a team that has conceded very few goals this year — 4 p.m. at Staples). A strong ending will give them a high seed in the FCIAC tourney. Another stumble could leave them on the outside, looking in. FINAL SCORE: Fairfield Warde 2, Staples 1. SEASON RECORD: 6-3-4.
QUICK KICKS: Staples outshot Warde 14-7. Each team had 4 corner kicks….
The reserves came from behind to beat Fairfield Warde 2-1. Will Birch and Jesse Haymes scored…
The freshmen beat the Mustangs 9-3. The highlight was Lefty Penderakis’ goal, following a bicycle kick attempt. Other goals came from David Basich, Ollie Lindenbaum, Brad Cox, Jared Wainshal and JC Montoni. Austin Krouse saved a PK and played well in goal.
Daniel Perez Elorza is all business, as he scores strongly at Fairfield Warde. (Photo/MaryGrace Gudis)
