Match Report: Staples vs. Brien McMahon
After a big win like the one 48 hours earlier against Greenwich, the Wreckers knew they faced 2 challenges at Brien McMahon: the Senators. And a letdown.
Beginning right after the Cardinal victory, they talked about the need to stay focused. To start strong. To play their style of soccer.
Yet on narrow, rain-slicked Jack Casagrande Field tonight, the Westporters played a so-so first half. They did not use the flanks. They conceded balls in the air.
First half highlights included a superb save by keeper Reed Caney; a shot by Patricio Perez Elorza that rattled the crossbar, and an excellent stop by McMahon keeper Jose Hernandez on Perez Elorza.
As happens often this year, the blue-and-whites came out sharper in the 2nd half. But 3 minutes after play resumed, the home side stunned them. A giveaway led to a breakaway. Alex Vargas’ shot caromed off the inside post, and in. Suddenly, Staples was chasing the game.
They chased it — and the ball — well.
They had the run of play — this time utilizing the entire field — and though Caney once again came up huge, it was all Staples. Still, their shots were inches wide. McMahon still led, 1-0.
In the 56th minute, Emerson Anvari — inserted moments earlier — laid off to Perez Elorza, who finished crisply to equalize.
Just 2 minutes later, Perez Elorza received a throw-in. He found Sam Liles, who stepped over the ball, turned and tore down the baseline. He hit Anvari, who calmly but forcefully headed home. The senior has come off the bench in consecutive matches, and sparked Staples to leads.
Caney saved again, in the 63rd minute. He — and defenders Surya Balaji, Brendan Lynch, Carter Bassler and Benny Feuer — held strong, protecting the lead.
It was another gutsy victory for Staples. It was another intense, mood-swining match. And — at the midway point of the regular season — another 3 points for the Wreckers. FINAL SCORE: Staples 2, Brien McMahon 1. SEASON RECORD: 5-2-1.
QUICK KICKS: Senior Colin Corneck — out all season with a knee injury — made his varsity debut tonight. He also started, and played a very solid 40 minutes on defense ….
The Wreckers are in action again on Saturday. Fairfield Ludlowe comes to Loeffler Field — which will be packed with nearly 20 members of the 1969 team. They’ve got a special reunion planned, honoring the 50th anniversary of their state championship. It was the first of 5 consecutive Connecticut crowns for the Wreckers. Be sure to say hello to the returnees on The Hill! ….
The reserves beat Brien McMahon 7-3. Will Adams netted a quick hat trick (with 2 superb assists from Aaron Jaffe). Marcos Inglada added 2 more, with Gabe Chinitz and Reese Watkins contributing 1 goal each. Jacob Greenberger made a sick save in goal….
Matt Shackelford scored 3 minutes after kickoff against Brien McMahon, heading in a Kylel Ambrose corner kick. The Senators equalized 5 minutes later on a laser beam shot. Staples pressured the rest of the half. Jaeon Anglin scored our with 15 minutes left, after many Wrecker missed opportunities. Staples continued to threaten in the 2nd half, but could not solve the McMahon defense. With 10 minutes to go, the visitors got the equalizer. That pumped up the Seantors. For 10 minutes they went for the winner, but Staples held fast to draw 2-2.
Defensive wall holds (from left): Brendan Lynch, Emerson Anvari, Patricio Perez Elorza, Surya Balaji, Murilo Moreno, Benny Feuer, Evan Birns. (Photo/Christina Bassler)
Goal! Emerson Anvari, Carter Bassler and Brendan Lynch celebrate at Brian McMahon. (Photo/Christina Bassler)
Patricio Perez Elorza and Carter Bassler double team a McMahon Senator. (Photo/Christina Bassler)
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