Wreckers Make History; Host NYC Champs

If you want to be the best, you have to play the best.

That’s the mantra for the Staples boys soccer preseason. Just 48 hours after traveling to New England prep school champion South Kent, the Wreckers hosted Martin Luther King High School. They’re the reigning New York City public school champions — and have won 14 of the last 17 city titles.

For the 1st 40 minutes, the match was fairly even. King had to adapt to grass, while Staples tried — successfully — to hold the possession-oriented team at bay.

The temperature was in the mid-80s, with humidity making it far hotter. But the play was quite entertaining, with the visitors edging into a 2-0 lead. The Wreckers got one back, on a fine long blast by Gabe Pensak, but 2 late goals caused by soft defending gave King a comfortable margin of victory.

The Staples coaches were encouraged by their side’s organization, and several solid scoring chances created by Pensak, Nate Argosh, Daniel Perez Elorza, Graham Gudis, Sebastian Wick and Luca Cocito. Patrick Beusse and Michael Reid were solid in front of Josh Berman, Kenji Goto and Aidan Wisher, while Daniel Reid patrolled the flank. Jack Zeldes, Grant Sirlin and Spencer Daniels came on strongly off the bench.

After the match, both teams enjoyed a cookout at Compo Beach. The Staples Barbecue Club did the honors, grilling burgers and sausages. A volleyball tournament — with both teams mixing together on different teams — rounded out the day.

Both Woog and King coach Martin Jacobson enjoyed the match. They promise to continue Staples’ newest tradition in 2015.

QUICK KICKS: Staples’ very difficult preseason continues Wednesday (4:15 p.m.), at prep school powerhouse Choate.