State Tournament 2nd Round Match Report: Staples vs. Danbury [UPDATED – WITH PHOTOS]

Five days after winning their 2nd straight FCIAC championship, Staples got back on the field.

They had more important business to take care of: capturing a 2nd consecutive state title too.

After earning a bye in the first round of the “LL” (extra large schools) division — their first since 2000 — the top-seeded Wreckers faced #16 Danbury. The Hatters had battled Staples well during the regular season, falling only 1-0.

But this time they were without their regular goalkeeper. He was shown a red card in their first round 2-1 victory over East Hartford, for a hand ball outside the penalty area as the last player back.

That was a difference-maker. The Wreckers scored early, as they’ve done often this year. Then they added a second goal, as they’ve also done frequently. They scored twice more, then added a final tally 8 seconds from time.

The decisive 5-0 win sets up a quarterfinal match, against #9 Norwich Free Academy. They eliminated #25 West Haven 3-2. That quarterfinal match is 2 p.m. Thursday, at Wakeman Field.

West Haven stunned Stamford — the side Staples beat in the FCIAC final, and the only team to blemish the Westporters’ record this year, with a 0-0 regular season draw — in the state tourney’s first round on Saturday.

A strong wind could have been a factor today. But even with it at their back in the first half, the Wreckers played their trademark quick passing, ball-on-the-turf game.

They struck first in the 14th minute. Nico Reyna flicked on a throw-in; fellow quad-captain Noah Rossoni was in perfect position to tuck it in.

Six minutes later, Rossoni headed a shot off the crossbar. Adrian Rodriguez — also in the right spot — alertly followed up for a 2-0 lead.

Danbury showed individual skill. But they could not penetrate into the box. Their first real chance came in the 36th minute.

Staples’ domination continued in the second half, with a less pronounced wind.

In the 54th minute, Rossoni’ first shot off a great pass from Greyson Downes was saved. But the Haverford College commit headed in his own rebound.

The fourth goal, 6 minutes later, came from Jaden Waldman. The junior pounced on a loose ball, and finished with authority.

Besides early scoring, and goals in bunches, a Staples trademark this year is standout defense. The back 4 of Thomas Pretty, Ryan Allen, Peter Nelson and Spencer Derakhshan — and, leter, Owen Green and Ciaran Kennedy — are consistently well positioned. They step up as a unit, win far more than their share of balls, tackle tenaciously, and are strong in the air too. Keeper Zach Delman directs them well, with a strong voice.

The final tally, mere seconds from the end, came after 2 good saves. Sebi Carter knocked in the rebound — a fitting end, to a decisive team performance.

QUICK KICKS: In an upset — and a sign of strength for the FCIAC — #15 Brien McMahon just defeated #2-seeded Xavier-Middletown in penalty kicks.