Match Report: Staples vs. Darien

In 2013, Patrick Beusse’s goal with just 12 seconds to play gave Staples a dramatic 3-2 victory at Darien.

In 2014 and ’15, the Blue Wave knocked the Wreckers out of the state and FCIAC tournaments, respectively.

The stakes in today’s match were not as high. The ending was not as dramatic, or stark.

As has been their habit, it took Staples about 15 minutes to get in gear. Their pressure was not as intense as in previous matches. They had no meaningful 1st-half shots on goal.

In the final 2 minutes of the half, keeper Ziggy Hallgarten made 2 excellent saves. One was on a seemingly open net, the other on a breakaway.

The visitors opened the 2nd half with excellent defense. The back line of Chris Martenson, Sam Kantor, Teddy Lawrence and Josh Berman bent but never broke all game. Slowly, Thomas Nealon, Jannis Dietze, Matteo Broccolo and Daniel Reid stepped up and established themselves at midfield, springing various combinations of Anton Mahr, Will Birch, Tyler Wright and Spencer Daniels forward.

Despite moments of strong flank play, however, the Wreckers still did not produce any stinging chances.

In the 67th minute, a free kick found Lawrence. For the 2nd straight match, the defender headed home a goal. Unlike 3 days earlier in Norwalk though, this one was waved offside.

Hallgarten saved in traffic twice, then finger-tipped a fantastic ball up over the crossbar after a Staples defender slipped at the edge of the box.

Nealon’s free kick — the Westporters’ last real opportunity — hit the side netting with 8 minutes to go.

The 0-0 result was Staples’ 5th draw of the season. With 3 matches remaining — and only 2 losses — the Wreckers have not yet clinched a FCIAC playoff spot. The next opportunity for 3 points comes Saturday, with a 1:30 p.m. home kickoff against New Canaan. FINAL SCORE: Staples 0, Darien 0. SEASON RECORD: 6-2-5.

QUICK KICKS: The reserves also drew, 1-1 at Darien. Azam Plummer scored….

The freshmen shut out Darien 3-0. Tadeo Messenger scored twice, Benny Feuer once. Messenger, Feuer and Emerson Anvari assisted. Coach Nicky Hoberman cited those 3 and the back line of Brendan Lynch, Nick Hein, Drew Halperin, Callum Wisher, plus Vig Kareddy and John Kuehndorf for their strong performances.