Match Report: Staples vs. Greenwich [UPDATED – PHOTOS ADDED]
A year ago, Greenwich battled back from a 3-1 deficit to stun Staples 4-3, midway through the regular season.
The Wreckers wreaked revenge in the best way possible. They beat the Cardinals in 2 finals: FCIACs and states.
This year’s Greenwich side is less technical than last year’s. But they entered today’s match at Cardinal Stadium undefeated. The only blemishes on their 7-0-2 mark were draws with Norwalk and Wilton.
Once again, Staples scored 3 goals. But — thanks to a tenacious defense and midfield, and a legit hat trick (3 straight goals) by Adrian Rodriguez — they left no doubt about the result.
The Westporters’ 3-0 victory lifts their mark to 10-0-1. Their 4th straight shutout — and 9th of the season — puts them in good shape, for the final 5 league contests. They host Fairfield Ludlowe on Monday, and Bridgeport Central on Wednesday (both at Wakeman Field, 4 p.m.), before traveling to Brien McMahon on Saturday for an 11:30 a.m. game.
The start of today’s match was hectic. Greenwich did a good job of disrupting Staples’ rhythm, and nearly snuck in an early corner kick.
Alex Saleeb got Staples’ first shot, in the 7th minute. Keeper Zach Delman then punch-saved a corner.
But in the 10th minute, the Wreckers do what they’ve done so often this year: score early. Noah Rossoni won a bone-crunching tackle, then quickly sent Rodriguez in on the keeper. The Wesleyan University commit finished with poise, as he’s done so often this year too.
That settled Staples down. With Rossoni and Lucas Alarcon commanding midfield, and under pressure from Rodriguez, Saleeb and Greyson Downes — plus the overlapping Peter Nelson — the Cards resorted to banging the ball out of the back.
Kai Massicott and Jaden Waldman came on in the second half, with no letup.
Rossoni was stuffed on a great opportunity in the 52nd minute. Eight minutes later Alarcon found Rodriguez. He cruised in, drew out the keeper, and deposited his second strike gently in the back of the net.
Delman came through with a solid punch save a few minutes later, then saved a rocket off a corner kick. That he was tested so infrequently was a tribute to his back line: Nelson, Thomas Pretty, Ryan Allen, Cairan Kennedy and Spencer Derakhshan.
One other key to Staples’ success this fall has been their tackling. All over the field they step up and in, time their moves well, and win the ball far more often than not.
Rodriguez finished the scoring 12 minutes from time. This assist came from Downes, and ended with another smooth run forward. FINAL SCORE: Staples 3, Greenwich 0. SEASON RECORD: 10-0-1.
QUICK KICKS: Four alumni from last year’s state and FCIAC championship squad were on hand today: Chase Cammeyer, Spencer Girling, Drew Hill and Dylan Shackelford ….
The freshmen tied Greenwich, 2-2. Andrew Birns and Jake Fishman scored, while Curtis DeVito provided an assist.
Alex Saleeb (Photo/Paolo Caniat0)
Ciaran Kennedy (Photo/Paolo Caniato)
Peter Nelson (Photo/Paolo Caniato)
Alumni at Greenwich (from left): Spencer Girling, Drew Hill, Chase Cammeyer, Dylan Shackelford (Photo/Dan Woog)
