Staples vs. Westhill
Opening day saw a large, enthusiastic crowd jam Loeffler Field. The sun was hot, and play was — as usual in the 1st game — ragged.
The Wreckers were prepared for the Viking’s 3-man front line — and offensively threatened 1st. Mikey Scott’s corner kick was cleared off the line twice: once on Brendan Lesch’s diving header, the 2nd time on Alan Reiter’s rebound.
In the 10th minute Sean Gallagher drove into the corner and earned a corner kick. Scott took it; it was dummied, then kicked out to Gallagher, who hit Greg Gudis. Gudis struck it home — for his 3rd 1st-goal-of-the-season in 3 years.
Central defender Mikey Fitzgerald nearly connected twice, but the half ended 1-0.
The Wreckers, adding a 2nd attacker, had a bit more offense in the 2nd 40. With 8 minutes to go Lesch fed Mike White; he scored through the keeper’s legs.
The 3rd tally came with 1:30 remaining. Andrew McNair — moved up to midfield from outside back — found Fitzgerald, for a hard, true header.
Final score: Staples 3, Westhill 0. Season record: 1-0-0.
QUICK KICKS: Staples’ starting lineup included seniors Michael McCarthy, Jack Hennessy, Andrew McNair, Mikey Fitzgerald and Alan Reiter, and juniors Jake Krosse, Steven Denowitz, Mikey Scott, Brendan Lesch and Sean Gallagher…
Westhill’s new coach, Joe Andrews, is the Vikings’ 3rd head coach in 3 years. “This is a very solid Westhill team,” said Staples coach Dan Woog. “They will do plenty of damage in the FCIAC.”…
Staples outshot Westhill 21-5, and led 6-1 in corner kicks….
The junior varsity shut out Westhill 4-0. Spencer Adler got the 1st goal; Steve Smith netted the next 2, on a free kick and goal corner kick; then Max Hoberman finished the scoring. Coach Ross McGibney cited Ryan Armour for his outstanding defense….
The freshmen opened with a 3-0 victory at Westhill. Dylan Hoy, Harry Birch and Greg Salamone scored; Jeff Krieger played solidly in the middle.
Jake Krosse and Luke Yeager sandwich a Westhill Viking. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Alan Reiter weaves his way upfield. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Inspired by the baseball diamond behind him, keeper Michael McCarthy outlets quickly and strongly against Westhill. (Photo by Carl McNair)
A portion of the large opening day crowd at Loeffler Field (Photo by Carl McNair)
Sean Gallagher muscles his way past a horde of Westhill Vikings. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Hard to believe, but Brendan Lesch's diving header was cleared off the line by a Viking defender. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
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