Wreckers Repeat As FCIAC Champs!
The first time Staples and Stamford clashed, the Knights played defensively. The Wreckers, uncharacteristically, changed their lineup, showing only 1 attacker and 5 defenders. The result — a 0-0 draw — was the only blemish so far on the blue-and-whites’ sparkling, unbeaten record.
They met again tonight, before packed stands at Fairfield Ludlowe’s Taft Field. This time, there had to be a winner.
It was the FCIAC championship.
In a much more open, back-and-forth, rock ’em-sock ’em match, Staples outlasted Stamford, 3-2. That’s the second straight league champs for the Westporters — and a mind-boggling 29th, in the tournament’s 66-year history.
It wasn’t easy.
The 2nd-seeded Knights gave the #1 Wreckers all they could handle. It was by far their toughest contest of the year. But they passed the test. That gives them a jolt of confidence, as they begin state tournament play Monday.
The game began as so many have this year: with an early goal.
In this case, a very early goal.
Just 1:13 in, Peter Nelson fed Noah Rossoni from the left side. He deked his way through traffic, then laid off Adrian Rodriguez. Staples’ leading scorer finished in trademark style: clinically, with little flash but tons of technique and poise.
The game continued at a blistering pace. In the 8th minute, Stamford earned a penalty kick when a player was pulled down in the box. Benji Gaite buried his chance, and the Knights drew level.
Staples usually establishes midfield control. This time it flowed back and forth.
In the 24th minute, Nico Reyna played a ball over the top. Rodriguez ran on, and banged his second goal home. He’s scored in bunches this year. The Wreckers have never kept individual scoring statistics — a tradition begun by founding coach Albie Loeffler, and continued by his successors — but “A Rod” would undoubtedly be near the top of the list.
Nine minutes later Staples keeper Zach Delman dove far to his right, punching away Stamford’s most dangerous chance.
The Wreckers came out blazing, as the second half began. In the first minute Rossoni stole a ball, and hit Rodriguez. Only a daring stop by Magnus Smail — arguably the best keeper in the state — kept the scoreline close.
Smail then saved in a scrum. Lucas Alarcon drove a dangerous corner kick. Smail once again saved brilliantly, this time on a header.
The Wreckers had a slight edge through much of the second half, thanks to both a defensive high line that worked well, and getting numbers in the box to create havoc.
They were rewarded in the 54th minute. Greyson Downes slotted a ball across. This time it was Rossoni who scored. Like so many Staples strikes this year, it was quick, opportunistic, and deadly.
But Stamford came right back, forcing several corner kicks. They were not going down without a fight. Defenders Thomas Pretty, Ryan Allen, Spencer Derakhshan, Owen Green and Dutch Schlegelmilch held down the fort.
At the other end, reserves Jaden Waldman, Gus Reyna and Kai Massicott were taking care of business. Smail saved particularly well on a close-range Massicott chance.
With 10 minutes remaining, Stamford nicked one back. Matthew Attencio’s shot into the far corner followed a rare Wrecker defensive miscue. Suddenly, victory was not in doubt.
The Knights were energized. These were Staples’ tensest moments of the year.
But they kept their poise. They managed the game. Only a superb save on a ball whipped across by Downes kept the Knights within striking distance.
Winning an FCIAC title is hard. Repeating is at least as difficult.
Still, Staples is not yet done. They have one more goal: to repeat as state champions too.
That quest begins Monday at 2 p.m. at Wakeman Field, against either Danbury or East Hartford.
Should the Wreckers win that one — and they’re seeded first in the state — they could face a familiar foe in the quarterfinals: Stamford.
Welcome to the state tournament! FINAL SCORE: Staples 3, Stamford 2. SEASON RECORD: 18-0-1.
QUICK KICKS: Adrian Rodriguez was named MVP of the FCIAC finals …
The last time Staples repeated as FCIAC champs was 2010. That was actually a three-peat, as the Wreckers had won in both 2008 and ’09.
FCIAC champs! (Photo/Dan Woog)
Adrian Rodriguez (center) celebrates his goal with (from left) Lucas Alarcon, Greyson Downes, Peter Nelson and Noah Rossoni.
Owen Green
Noah Rossoni
Spencer Derakhshan (All photos/Paolo Caniato, unless otherwise noted)
