THE SEASON -- 2008
For post-season games, click here
For regular season games from the 1st part of the season, click here
Wednesday, October 22 vs. Central: Allofasudden, justlikethat, today's weather turned windy and frigid. When the Wreckers assembled on the terrace for their pre-game meeting -- the baseball dugout has been demolished, during renovation of the diamond -- they huddled together for warmth. Their final regular season foes would arrive soon -- and the 7-6-1 Hilltoppers needed a win to qualify for the 8-team FCIAC tournament. They were a better team than their record showed -- they handed Trumbull their only loss of the year, by a solid 4-0 count -- and Staples, which did not play them last year, had no idea what to expect.
They saw a talented, fast and well-organized team -- but one which, despite needing a victory, played with 8 or 9 back. The Bridgeporters also featured keeper Renardo Dixon, an acrobatic senior who seemed to be everywhere. In the 15th minute he stuffed Jairo Alvarado twice -- on a great shot, and his own immediate rebound. In the 20th minute Dixon stopped Alvarado again. Then he saved against Alan Reiter. Next came a spectacular robbery of Mike White's header. The Wreckers continued to create chances -- with Brendan Lesch and White just missing as the 1st half ended -- but Dixon was the difference.
Staples continued to press in the 2nd 40 minutes. White and Greg Gudis nearly connected early; then Lesch and Drew McNair had chances. Sean Gallagher came off the bench to spark the blue-and-whites. Though coaches Dan Woog and Kurt Dasbach -- and the seniors -- had counseled patience during halftime, the scoreline stayed even.
Suddenly, in the 62nd minute, Lesch flicked forward to fellow sophomore Gudis. With his back to the goal, the striker turned and chipped a shot. This time Dixon was beaten; there was nothing he could do. The draw was broken.
Gallagher nearly netted one 3 minutes later; it ticked off the crossbar. Central continued to defend well, hoping for a breakaway score. But with 2 minutes remaining McNair found White, making a great run down the left side. The junior served a diagonal ball across the box. Sophomore Jake Krosse was there to meet it, finishing smartly for the 1st goal of his varsity career. Gudis was right there, to make sure it went in.
The victory gave Staples the Ralph King Cup -- awarded to the team with the best record in the 19-member FCIAC -- for the 2nd time in 3 years, and 3rd since its inauguration in 2000. "Winning the Ralph King Cup is a great achievement," said Woog. "Ralph coached at Brien McMahon for many years when Albie Loeffler was at Staples; they were the 2 top teams in the FCIAC for 20 years, so we know what this honor means." However, he continued, "this is just a stop along the way. The most significant part of the year lies ahead: the FCIAC and state tournaments. It's nice to go into the FCIAC tournament seeded 1st, but all that means is we get to wear our home white uniform for, hopefully, three more matches. We've got a target on our backs. Everyone is out to get us. It's a nice position to be in -- it signifies we've been consistent and solid throughout a tough season -- but we know the road ahead is long and hard. The good news is, our guys are ready for the challenges ahead. They're playing good, tough soccer. They're patient, they're poised, they like each other, they believe in themselves, and they're looking forward to the 'real' season. With the weather finally turning cold, let the games begin."
The FCIAC quarterfinals are set for 3 p.m. Friday, at Staples. The opponent will be determined after the final FCIAC matches are played later tonight. Final score: Staples 2, Central 0. Final regular season record: Overall: 15-1-0. FCIAC: 14-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: Tracey Hennessy P'10 organized today's Senior Day activities. Honored before the match were 4-year veterans Jairo Alvarado, Jonathan Golembeski, Alex Hoberman, Nick Kljusev, Adam Liu, Sanders McNair, Frankie Rende, Kenta Shirafuji and Rem Woodhull....
Staples outshot Central 26-6, and led in corner kicks 8-1. The shutout was the Wreckers' 14th of the year....
Kyle Martino '99 was at the match. Afterwards he talked to the squad, focusing their attention on the obstacles -- and opportunities -- ahead....
Coach Ross McGibney's junior varsity downed Central 3-0. Charlie Greenwald, Santiago Cuartas and Jonathan Campbell all scored.
Top left: Greg Gudis works his way upfield. Right: Frankie Bergonzi dmonstrates his take-no-prisoners style of defense.
Middle left: Alan Reiter's header just misses against Central. Right: Mike White (4) crosses to Jake Krosse (middle) for the sophomore's 1st goal of his career. Greg Gudis is ready for the follow-up. (Photos by Carl McNair)
Bottom: Jairo Alvarado, Brendan Lesch, Alan Reiter, Frankie Bergonzi and Mikey Fitzgerald celebrate Greg Gudis's strike against Central. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Monday, October 20 at Fairfield Warde: The 7-3-4 Mustangs hosted the Wreckers on their grass -- besides Loeffler Field, the only remaining grass site in the FCIAC -- knowing a win would go a long way to securing a league playoff berth. With a defense that allowed no more than 2 goals in any game -- and that only 4 times -- along with dangerous midfielder Kevin Gavey -- the Fairfielders were formidable foes.
For the 9th time in 15 matches, however, the Wreckers scored within the opening 10 minutes. This time the goal came just 2:45 in. Hard-working midfielder Drew McNair served a great ball across the box. Fellow junior Mike White was perfectly placed to stuff it in. The Westporters did not go for the jugular, however, and only a spectacular fingertip save by keeper Adam Liu -- followed by alert clearances by defenders Jack Hennessy and Mikey Fitzgerald -- kept the scoreline clean. Warde continued to threaten, and in the 35th minute Hennessy shoveled a ball off the line. A crowd-pleasing bicycle kick by Warde also missed.
The Wreckers amped up their game in the 2nd half. They tightened up defensively -- all over the field -- and in the 61st minute Matteo Marzoli sliced a diagonal pass to McNair. Waiting patiently, he finished cleanly for the insurance score. White almost made it 3-0 with a header; then Staples did what they had to, managing the match through to the end. Final score: Staples 2, Fairfield Warde 0. Season record: Overall: 14-1-0; FCIAC: 13-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: Warde led in shots, 15-12, but the Wreckers had the corner kick edge, 9-2....
The freshmen remained unbeaten -- and unscored-upon -- with an 8-0 victory over Fairfield Warde. The 9th graders face a strong Trumbull side this Friday.
Drew McNair rounds the corner against Fairfield Warde. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Thursday, October 16 at St. Joseph: Two years ago the Wreckers played the Cadets in a monsoon -- and ruined the Trumbull team's field. St. Joe's now boasts a new turf field -- but it's as small and narrow as the previous grass pitch. The Westporters arrived for the match (and the Cadets' Senior Day) with starters Alan Reiter and Frankie Rende both sick. Sean Gallagher started in Reiter's central spot, while fellow sophomore Steven Denowitz replaced senior tri-captain Frankie Rende at right back. Both acquitted themselves well; Denowitz even opened the game with a bone-crunching tackle, and followed quickly with a fine shot.
It took less than 4 minutes for Staples to find the net. Junior midfielder Drew McNair worked the left side brilliantly, turning 3 defenders before racing into the corner and beating the keeper low. In the 20th minute -- just seconds after both players entered the game -- Jairo Alvarado fed Matteo Marzoli for a quick, efficient goal. Twelve minutes later it was 3-0, after Alex Hoberman hit Greg Gudis. The sophomore striker turned and -- for the 2nd match in a row -- scored through the keeper's legs.
With 12 seconds remaining in the half, St. Joe's became only the 2nd team to score on Staples this year. A defender slipped, and Luis Santos ran through to finish cleanly.
The Wreckers controlled much of the 2nd half against the pesky Cadets. Late in the match Kenta Shirafuji turned the corner. He found his good friend Alvarado, who stood up the keeper, then tucked a shot nicely near post. Final score: Staples 4, St. Joseph 1. Season record: Overall: 13-1-0; FCIAC: 12-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: Tim Caffrey -- captain of the most recent Staples state championship team -- was at the match. Afterwards he addressed the '08 squad briefly, recounting his state final loss as a junior, and title run as a senior....
The junior varsity got back on the winning track with a 6-0 victory over St. Joseph. Santiago Cuartas scored twice in the first 5 minutes. Spencer Adler added 2 more; Brian Wolgast (corner kick) and Jonathan Campbell also tallied....
Dylan Evans' corner kick was the difference, as the freshmen edged Ridgefield 1-0. Matthew Silver earned coach Chris O'Dell's praise, for his strong play.
Left: Defender Mikey Fitzgerald attempted a spectacular bicycle kick against St. Joseph, following a free kick. It flew over the goal, but the Staples crowd and bench were suitably impressed. Right: Alex Hoberman leaves a Cade in the dust. (Photos by Lisa Krosse)
Tuesday, October 14 vs. Greenwich: It was WSA Day at Loeffler Field, so The Hill was packed with young players dreaming of the day they'll wear the Staples "S." The Wreckers' superfans -- Nick Pulvino, Trevor Lally, Nick Weir, Kyle Debussey and the boys -- were in full force too, lending a superb atmosphere to the clash with 9-2-0 Greenwich. The large, loud crowd did not see a great 1st half, however. Both squads seemed a bit uncertain; neither connected well. The Wreckers had some good moments -- Greg Gudis's shot hit the outside netting; Mike White's fine effort sent Matteo Marzoli in for a close but off-balance rip -- while the Cardinals moved the ball well at times too, flicking on and countering quickly. But the story of the 1st half was Staples' defense: Frankie Rende, Jack Hennessy, Frankie Bergonzi, Mikey Fitzgerald and Alan Reiter. They and their Greenwich counterparts kept the scoreline clean -- only the 3rd time all year the Westporters entered halftime without a goal.
Staples kicked it up a notch in the 2nd 40 minutes. They found the corners more, and moved the ball with greater purpose. In the 50th minute Alex Hoberman played a tremendous ball through. Gudis timed his run expertly, beating the offside trap. He dribbled forward, then hit what looked like an easy shot right at the keeper. But the Card netminder took his eye off the ball, and as most people turned away -- anticipating an outlet from the keeper -- the ball slithered through.
Eighteen minutes later, the Wreckers had a much prettier goal. Marzoli lost the ball at midfield, but immediately regained possession. He found Hoberman racing down the right side. The tri-captain cruised into the box, patiently drew a couple of defenders, then sliced a ball back to the 6. Jairo Alvarado was there, for the very intelligent tap-in. Staples managed the match the rest of the way, with Rem Woodhull and Kenta Shirafuji creating a couple of good chances. The defense continued to hold firm, and keeper Adam Liu -- tested more than he had been all year -- preserved another shutout thanks to stellar positioning, sure hands, and a positive voice. Final score: Staples 2, Greenwich 0. Season record: Overall: 12-1-0; FCIAC 11-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: Staples led in shots, 18-9, and corner kicks 6-1....
This was the 2nd straight match in which the Wreckers avenged a loss last year by reversing the exact score....
The junior varsity played an excellent 1st half against Greenwich, but fell 3-0. "It was definitely not a 3-0 game," said coach Ross McGibney -- an assessment anyone who has been around soccer can relate to....
The freshmen shut out Greenwich 3-0, and played very well against perhaps their toughest opponent so far this year. Steve Smith bent two free kicks around walls, in true Beckham style, while Dylan Evans added a gorgeous header off a nice assist from Alex Tonsberg. Coach Chris O'Dell cited defenders Aaron Liu, Jake Malowitz, Taylor McNair and Ben Root for their fine play.
Top left: Jairo Alvarado celebrates his goal against Greenwich. (Photo by Carl McNair) Right: Future Wreckers celebrated at WSA Day versus the Cardinals. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Bottom left: Photographer Carl McNair captured the first goal against Greenwich -- this shot by Greg Gudis, early in the 2nd half. Right: Frankie Bergonzi works his magic. (Photo by Lisa Krosse)
Friday, October 10 vs. Ridgefield: A screenwriter could not have scripted the opening scene better. The weather was perfect: clear, warm andbrilliantly sunny. Loeffler Field never looked better -- the grass was perfectly green, the white lines sharp, and even in mid-October the goalmouths looked pristine. The hill overflowed with fans, fresh from the Homecoming pep rally and amped for a matchup between 9-1-0 (FCIAC) Staples and 9-0-1 Ridgefield -- the defending state champs who last year scored 5 times in the final 20 minutes of what had been a scoreless draw to throttle the Wreckers. The crowd chanted, sang and ole-ole-ole-ole-d throughout. Spirits were sky-high.
They rose even higher when Staples earned 2 quick corner kicks. The hosts were in command, and their poised play and constant pressure paid off in the 7th minute. Matteo Marzoli sliced a seeing-eye ball to Alex Hoberman, making a well-timed run up the right side. The tri-captain reached the corner by Jinny Parker Field, then cut the ball diagonally across the goalmouth where Mike White waited patiently to coolly slott it home. Just 15 minutes later it was 2-0. In a goal straight out of the squad's favorite drill, "Team Trains the Keeper," Alan Reiter released to Frankie Bergonzi, under pressure. The left back dropped a ball to the far post. Drew McNair stayed onside, settled, and served Jairo Alvarado at the other post, for another calm tip-in.
McNair followed with a great effort; he, Hoberman, Gudis and Alvarado were on fire. They were backed up by stalwart defenders Bergonzi, Reiter, Mikey Fitzgerald and Frankie Rende, who kept the ball far from keeper Adam Liu. In the 36th minute Gudis' corner kick was nearly headed in by Reiter, but the Westporters were not yet done. With just a minute remaining before halftime Reiter's rip resulted in a corner kick. Gudis laced this one perfectly; this time Reiter's header was true, tucking in just underneath the crossbar.
At intermission, the talk was of the Tigers' ability to rebound -- and the need to put the nail in their coffin. The young Staples side got the message. Just 6 minutes after play resumed, Gudis took another corner kick. It twisted toward the keeper; he dropped it over the goal line, and suddenly it was 4-0. The final 25 minutes saw great game management by the surging Stapleites, with Sean Gallagher, Mikey Scott, Nick Kljusev and Jonathan Golembeski looking particularly strong. The Wreckers were still not through, though, and in the 71st minute Rende dug a ball out of the back. He found Kenta Shirafuji, who immediately laid off to Rem Woodhull. The tall striker ran through and finished solidly from 20 yards.
"This was a nice way to start the weekend," acknowledged head coach Dan Woog. "We had balanced scoring (5 different players) and assists (4 different guys). I liked the unselfish, intelligent and very hard play; the total team effort, and especially the focus. In years past we've played poorly after the pep rally. This year the guys understood what was at stake, and responded magnificently. In our preparation for this match, we never talked about last year's 5-0 embarrassment. We didn't have to. We don't look back. This year's team is writing their own story, and having a great time doing it. But I have to say, 5-0 this year has a certain symmetry to it." Final score: Staples 5, Ridgefield 0. Season record: Overall 11-1-0; FCIAC 10-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: The statistics bear out the final score. Staples outshot Ridgefield 17-1, and led in corner kicks 11-1....
The junior varsity rebounded from a poor 1st half with a dominating 2nd half. Gabe Schindler's corner kick was the difference in the 1-0 victory....
The freshmen echoed the varsity with a 5-0 win. Dylan Evans and Terence Gibbons netted 2 goals each, while Jay Kaplan got 1. Coach Chris O'Dell cited Aaron Liu and Taylor McNair for their fine defensive efforts.
Top:Staples' superfans (led by the shirtless Nick Pulvino, Nick Weir and Trevor Lally) were out in force for the Ridgefield match.
Middle left: Sean Gallagher closes down a Ridgefield Tiger. Right: Kenta Shirafuji outstretches his defender.
Bottom left: Mikey Fitzgerald has been a stalwart, after stepping in for injured defender Brendan Lesch. Right: Matteo Marzoli corrals a loose ball, as Mikey Fitzgerald, Drew McNair and Alan Reiter provide support. (Photos by Lisa Krosse)
Wednesday, October 8 at Wilton: Two days ago, the Warriors stunned Ridgefield with a 2-2 draw -- the only blemish on the Tigers' otherwise-spotless 2008 season. Today the Wreckers traveled to Kristine Lilly Field expecting a red-hot match with their flying-high hosts -- and without two Staples starters. Junior Michael McCarthy made his first varsity start ever, in place of tri-captain Adam Liu (illness), while junior Mikey Fitzgerald took over Brendan Lesch's central spot (back injury). The 2 new starters played very well, but the 1st half was less than scintillating. Slow-paced and passionless, one Wrecker likened it to a scrimmage.
Staples nevertheless scored 1st, in the 8th minute. Greg Gudis won a ball near midfield, and found Alan Reiter. The midfielder sent fellow junior Mike White into the corner. He turned, touched twice, then left-footed a shot low and hard. In the 11th minute Drew McNair hit the post, and Jairo Alvarado had a pair of opportunites shortly thereafter. In the 30th minute McCarthy saved excellently over the top of the crossbar. Two minutes after that McNair made a run up the left side, opening space. Matteo Marzoli stuck in hard, then hit Alvarado with a through ball. Alvarado's solid strike gave the Wreckers a 2-0 edge.
The 2nd half was a bit more lively. Just 35 seconds after intermission Alvarado turned and sliced a ball to the left side. McNair raced through, beating the keeper to the near post. The Wreckers managed the game from then on, using all available players in preparation for Friday's big match with Ridgefield. Kenta Shirafuji, Luke Yeager, Mikey Scott, Nick Kljusev, Steve Denowitz, Jonathan Golembeski, Sanders McNair -- and particularly Jake Krosse -- looked strong throughout the half. Final score: Staples 3, Wilton 0. Season record: Overall 10-1-0; FCIAC 9-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: The junior varsity lost for the 1st time all year, 1-0 at Wilton....
The freshmen shut out Wilton 5-0. Terence Gibbons (2), Dylan Evans, Steve Smith and Kent Hamlin all found the back of the net, while Ben Root played excellent defense.
Monday, October 6 at New Canaan: Whenever the Wreckers and Rams face off -- whether on the grass of Loeffler or Connor Field or, as happened for the first time ever tonight, on the new Sport-Exe field turf at Dunning Stadium -- fans know they'll see a New Canaan squad that's well-organized, defensive-minded, and good on the counterattack. Tonight's game followed the same script, and though the blue-and-whites played a very impressive 1st half from their end line to their hosts' 18, the game remained scoreless. Strong early pressure by Staples, and two late strikes by Jairo Alvarado, could not produce a score. The Wreckers' lack of urgency in the box was the focus of their halftime talk.
The 2nd half began with a hard Alan Reiter shot that just missed; the rebound was whiffed. Matteo Marzoli hit the post, and the 0-0 deadlock continued. But in the 57th minute Reiter turned the corner, drove into the penalty area, and was fouled. His penalty kick -- Staples' 2nd in 2 games -- broke the draw. Three minutes later keeper Adam Liu saved spectacularly over the top, on a dangerous direct kick. The senior tri-captain is not flashy, but when called upon for a big save he always comes through. The insurance tally, in the 72nd minute, saw Marzoli and Sean Gallagher feed Mike White, who finished cleanly. In the waning minutes, both Kenta Shirafuji and Nick Kljusev had close chances to score. "The mark of a good team is to win a game like this," remarked head coach Dan Woog. "The mark of a great team is to not have to wait until the 2nd half to do it. We have work to do, to get to the point where we can win a game like this early." Final score: Staples 2, New Canaan 0. Season record: Overall 9-1-0; FCIAC 8-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: The junior varsity shut out New Canaan 3-0, on goals by Santiago Cuartas, Justin Hawrysh and Emerson Jessup....
The freshmen took New Canaan 8-0. Coach Chris O'Dell cited Joss Abel (2 goals) and Jay Kaplan (1 goal), plus Steven Smith's midfield work, as particularly noteworthy.
Left: Greg Gudis goes up against either a New Canaan Ram or a ghost. Right: Drew McNair prepares to beat defender. (Photos by Carl McNair)
Saturday, October 4 vs. Brookfield: It was a perfect day for soccer. The sun shone brightly; the air was fall-crisp, and the terrace on Loeffler Field was packed for the highly anticipated, first-ever meeting between two non-league powers. The Wreckers scheduled Brookfield -- their 16th (maximum number allowed) regular season match -- for 2 reasons: to get extra competition against a worthy opponent, and -- if Staples won -- to rise a few spots in state tournament seedings (computed strictly on won-loss-tied record). But the 7-1-0 Westporters had been stunned 2 days earlier by Norwalk -- losing 1-0, on the first goal they'd allowed all year -- and the Bobcats came to town with a sparkling 7-1-1 record.
The young Staples squad started out as if they had something to prove. Just 1 minute in, fleet forward Mike White raced into the corner, and drove a hard ball diagonally across the goalmouth. Fellow junior Drew McNair -- making his 1st start of the year -- roared through from the left side, power-heading a shot that caromed in off the far post. The early strike gave the Wreckers confidence. They continued to penetrate nicely, with White and tri-captain Alex Hoberman leading the charges. In the 37th minute Rem Woodhull fed White; his shot trickled just wide.
As expected, the northerners started the 2nd half strongly. They hit the crossbar on a free kick, and paced by AJ Stueck -- one of the top players in the state -- were perhaps the most organized, quickest and most explosive foes Staples has seen all year. The Wreckers stood toe to toe with them, though, and created their own chances. In the 49th minute McNair and White sent Alan Reiter in alone; his shot was inches wide. One minute later, White fired high again on a great chance. In the 60th minute a frantic goalmouth scramble produced only a Staples corner kick, and in the 66th minute Greg Gudis' 40-yard rocket was saved brilliantly by keeper Matt Bonn just below crossbar level.
The Wreckers' pressure finally paid off. In the 68th minute McNair's long direct kick from the left side of midfield landed dangerously in the box. Reiter found it, turned and fired -- but hit the post. Sean Gallagher -- alertly following up on a play straight out of one of his team's favorite drills, "Team Trains the Keeper" -- scrubbed it in, for a breathing-room 2-0 lead. The insurance tally came in the 73rd minute, a penalty kick by White after Gudis was fouled in the box.
Throughout the game, the offensive highlights were matched defensively by Staples. Keeper Adam Liu's positioning and instincts were flawless. Sweeper Jack Hennessy had perhaps his best game of the season -- anticipating well, tackling strongly and distributing intelligently. Outside backs Frankie Bergonzi and Frankie Rende were speedy stalwarts, while Reiter and Brendan Lesch kept Brookfield at bay for long, important stretches. Matteo Marzoli solidified central midfield, and Mikey Fitzgerald came on late to lend added strength. "We took an important step forward today," said head coach Dan Woog. "Over the past few years it's taken a while to recover from a loss. This year we did it in less than 48 hours -- and did it against a very strong team. There are plenty of tough tests ahead, but todayit was nice to get back to playing smart, strong soccer." Final score: Staples 3, Brookfield 0. Season record: Overall 8-1-0; FCIAC 7-1-0.
QUICK KICKS: The Wreckers collected several dozen used soccer balls today, for distribution by American soldiers to Iraqi children through the "Kick for Nick" program (in honor of former Wilton High School player Nick Madaras, killed in action in Iraq). Brookfield head coach Jared Sheikh generously donated a shiny new ball to the project, which was coordinated by senior keeper Sanders McNair....
One week after Staples soccer's 50th celebration, the Class of 1973 held its 35th reunion. Former Wrecker soccer players George Barrett, Matt Calish, Brian O'Connell and Dave Quinn were on the hill. Also at the game: last year's All-FCIAC manager, Brooke Mori.
Top: Drew McNair looks for a little love following his goal -- a power-header off a Mike White cross -- in the opening 1:18 against Brookfield. Frankie Bergonzi jumps 1 inch off the ground, but heads out of danger, as Jack Hennessy looks on in astonishment. (Photos by Carl McNair)
Bottom: Brendan Lesch manages to head the ball behind a Brookfield attack; Mike White fends off a defender; Matteo Marzoli breaks upfield, with Alan Reiter, Mikey Fitzgerald and Rem Woodhull in awe.. (Photos by Carl McNair)