Match Report: Staples vs. Stamford
It’s been 6 years since Staples traveled to Stamford High for a match. None of the current players had ever seen the Black Knights’ narrow field, tucked between Boyle Stadium and a school administration building.
The Wreckers like playing on turf. But for much of the 1st half, they did not play their possession game. There were moments, but nothing sustained.
The 2nd half started with Staples in control. But 7 minutes in — against the run of play — the hosts scored. A ball split the Westport defenders, and and Jason Martinez finished the breakaway.
Battling back, the Wreckers looked strong. They knocked the ball around well — not always to feet, but often enough — and had a couple of excellent chances. In the 64th minute, keeper Alex Grabar made a superb save on Will Birch’s strike.
Eight minutes later, Matt Engler’s curving free kick was headed over. A minute after that, Thomas Nealom clanged a shot off the crossbar. In the 77th minute, Grabar saved again despite a strong challenge.
For Staples, it was too little, too late. A disconnected, unsteady start spelled the difference between 3 points, possibly 1, and the 0 they got. FINAL SCORE: Stamford 1, Staples 0. SEASON RECORD: 1-2-1.
QUICK KICKS: Staples outshot Stamford 7-5, and led in corner kicks 2-1….
The reserves stopped Stamford 2-1. Andrew Marshall scored the 1st goal; the 2nd was an own goal. Jake Didner, Ryan Fincher, Ethan Brodows, Josh Buckman and Jake Porter all stood out defensively….
The freshmen took Stamford 4-1. Tadeo Messenger scored twice; Carter Bassler and Benny Feuer added solo strikes. Bassler, Feuer and Sam Liles all assisted. Brendan Lynch, Callum Wisher and Colin Corneck had particularly strong matches. Yesterday, Messenger scored in a 1-1 match with Trumbull.
Sam Kantor stood out defensively for Staples at Stamford. (Photo/Frances Rowland)
Matt Engler slices forward, as Thomas Nealon creates space. (Photo/Frances Rowland)
Matteo Broccolo and Chris Martenson plug the middle. (Photo/Frances Rowland)
