Match Report: Staples vs. Danbury

Last year, in the 2nd match of the season, the Wreckers led Danbury most of the way. But 2 goals in the last 15 minutes doomed the hosts.

It was a bitter defeat.

This year, in the 2nd contest, Staples traveled north. They’ve had some classic matches on the Hatters’ turf. And — with Danbury coming off a 5-0 demolition of New Canaan, and Staples a 3-0 win against Trinity Catholic — this one promised to be a nail-biter.

It was. The Hatters are a quick, play-it-around team. They matched up well against the Westporters.

The 1st half was largely even. The Wreckers’ defense — led by Chris Martenson in back, and Will Birch on the outside — stood up well. They prevented most dangerous forays. Sophomore keeper Teddy O’Kane came through in the 22nd minute, with his first test of the year.

In the 37th minute, Matt Engler’s corner kick was headed just high by sophomore Tadeo Messenger.

O’Kane saved again in the 54th minute, under pressure. With Gabe Baltierra in front of the ever-steady Martenson, that — and a long shot 10 minutes later — were all Danbury could muster.

But the home side’s strong, skillful backs were also equal to the task. They kept their foes at bay much of the match.

Staples poured it on in the final 10 minutes. Fit and focused, they pressed better than they had for the previous 70.

With 2 very solid defenses, this was destined to be a 0-0 draw. Neither team is yet in mid-season form. The statistics were even: Both sides had 3 shots on goal. Danbury had 4 corner kicks, Staples 3.

Odds are good that this will not be the last meeting of the teams this year. FINAL SCORE: Staples 0, Danbury 0. SEASON RECORD: 1-0-1.

QUICK KICKS: The Wreckers were without starting striker Vaughan Sealey (illness). Azam Plummer and Messenger filled in up top …

The reserves edged Danbury 2-1. Lefty Penderakis and Wilson Daniels scored …

The freshmen shut out Danbury 7-0, in their Staples debut. Alan Fiore had a hat trick; Mike Bonn, Ben Lafontan, Aidan Middlebrook and an own goal accounted for the scoring. Lucas Dimyan created several goals. Coach Russell Oost-Lievense cited Graham Barnes, George Smith, Oliver Bonner and Konur Nordberg for their strong play.