Match Report: FCIAC Semifinals, Staples vs. Stamford
The first time Staples and Stamford met this year — in the fourth match of the regular season — the Knights came from behind to tie, 1-1. It was the first goal the Wreckers surrendered all season.
That draw was one of the few blemishes on Staples’ season. They roared through the schedule with a 12-1-3 mark, then blitzed Fairfield Warde 4-1 on Friday, in the first round of the FCIAC tournament.
They faced Stamford again tonight in the semifinals, at Fairfield Ludlowe’s Taft Field. The 4th-seeded Knights had advanced to the Final 4 with a penalty kick win over #5 Ludlowe.
This time, there had to be a winner.
For much of the first half, and part of the second, the #1-ranked Westporters were in control. In the 27th minute Sam Rossoni’s blast was parried away by the Knights’ outstanding keeper, Christian Vitti.
Zach Gorin took the ensuing outswinging corner. Avery Mueller leaped high, in the box, and headed in. Vitti grabbed the ball, but only after it was inches over the line.
The lead galvanized the blue-and-whites, who were already in control. They won more than their share of 50/50 balls, with hard, well-timed tackles. They played quickly and crisply, possessing smartly while finding seams and feet while keeping the Stamford off balance.
Gorin and Adam Syah controlled the center of the field. Behind them, defenders Alfageme, Cormac Mulvey, Zach Beebe and Gabe Hellman (replacing the injured Jack Schwartz) frustrated the fleet Knight forwards.
Vitti opened the second half by saving Elliot Galin’s corner kick. As the game got faster and more physical, Stamford clawed their way back into contention. They squandered a close-in free kick, shot wide by inches, missed in a goal line scramble, then could not get another shot off in a scrum. But now they played with confidence.
With 7:26 to go, their persistence paid off. A long free kick was dropped, then banged in by Tyler Szemplinski from close range. As they did last month, Stamford found the equalizer.
They continued to push forward, in the increasingly physical match. Sikorski saved nicely. With 3 minutes left, Rossoni had a great shot. Once again, Vitti saved.
Suddenly, the Knights played a long ball out of the back. Noel Vargas capped a 40-yard run through 2 split players with an authoritative finish. Just 1:21 was left on the clock.
But Staples was not about to give up. Rossoni laced a great cross through the box, but no one was there.
The Wreckers got the ball back, and surged forward one last time. With 5 seconds on the clock, Mueller headed a dead-on shot.
Against nearly any other keeper, it would have been one of the most dramatic goals in Staples’ history. But Vitti flew parallel to the ground, punching it away for his best save of the day.
It was a bitter loss — only the second of the season — for Staples. But there is still one trophy — an even bigger one — ahead: the LL state championship.
Pairings are announced Friday. The Wreckers — guaranteed the #1 spot — will host an opponent to be determined next Tuesday. FINAL SCORE: Stamford 2, Staples 1. SEASON RECORD: 13-2-3.
QUICK KICKS: Staples was shooting for a record 28th FCIAC crown. But it would be the first since 2010 ….
Stamford — which played nearly all its matches on the road this year, because of poor field conditions at home — faces #3 Trumbull on Thursday. The Eagles won a wild 5-4 match against #2 Greenwich in the other semifinal. The game had several lead changes, and was determined on a penalty kick with 10 minutes to go, after a Cardinal defender picked up a ball in the box that he thought was out of bounds. Kickoff for the final is 7 p.m., at Norwalk High School’s Testa Field.
Avery Mueller (far left) scores a header against Stamford. Keeper Christian Vitti attempts a save, but the ball was already over the line. Cormac Mulvey, Adam Syah and Santi Alfageme are ready to pounce on any rebound. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Avery Mueller (10) celebrates his goal with (from left) Santi Alfageme, Cormac Mulvey and Zach Gorin. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Santi Alfageme leads Staples’ back line. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
