The Staple girls soccer team today defeated No. 5-seeded Westhill 2-1 in the Class LL quarterfinals.  This is the third upset in a row for the No.-20 seeded Lady Wreckers It was a tight battle, fought hard by everyone on the field.  The first goal was scored by Junior Turner Block, assisted by Senior Captain Abby Fagan. The second goal was scored by Senior Captain Abbey Lake unassisted. The girls move on to the semifinals this weekend, the first time in more two decades, and will play No.-1 seeded Glastonbury. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Comtributed photo

The Staples boys soccer quest for another state tournament trophy came to an end today with a 1-0 loss to Farmington.

The LL (extra large schools) state tournament round of 16 match which pitted last year’s finalists saw No. 6-seeded Farmington -– playing at home –- make a first half goal stand up for the win. Staples, seeded No.11, finishes the year with a 13-4-4 record.

The Wreckers made up for a tentative first half with a ferocious second 40 minutes. But they could not break Farmington’s defense. As has been the case all year, the lack of a finisher hurt Staples.

“This game was a microcosm of our season,” said head coach Dan Woog.  “Of our 21 games this season, 16 were decided by one goal, or were ties. 

The Staples girls soccer team (seeded No. 20) today won a grueling game against No. 4-ranked Shelton, pulling out a 1-0 victory after four sets of penalty kicks. The two teams played regulation time, two overtime periods and 35 penalty kicks in a hard fought battle with both teams evenly matched. Senior goalie Jessie Ambrose (in light blue No. 00), led the Wreckers with amazing action during the game, and five penalty kick saves. The Staples girls will play No. 5 Westhill in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The Staples football Wreckers will play in an FCIAC championship game this year for the fifth time in nine years.

The spot was sealed with today’s 42-14 win over Stamford Westhill as the Wreckers improved to 8-0 on the season.

The title game against longtime rival Greenwich will be played at home on Thanksgiving Day at 10 a.m.

Quarterback Jack Massie scored two touchdowns against the Vikings while Jon Heil and Nick Kelly each scored twice.

Taylor McNair heads out of danger in the Staples first-round state tournament game. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

For 53 years, Staples boys soccer teams have gutted out state tournament wins.

Today was no exception. The Wreckers –- ranked No. 11 in the LL (extra large schools) tourney -– played airtight defense against No. 22 Manchester, in their first round game at Loeffler Field.

But goals have not come easily for Staples this year. Despite outshooting the Indians 22-4—and leading in corner kicks 10-1 –- the Wreckers headed to overtime.

Three minutes into the second OT, Max Hoberman broke the deadlock, knocking in a picture-perfect cross from Steve Smith. That was all Staples needed. Goalkeeper James Hickok, and defenders Taylor McNair, Jake Malowitz, Aaron Liu, Ethan Bradeen, Ben Root and Harry Birch kept Manchester at bay for the final seven minutes.

By James Lomuscio

With a unanimous vote tonight, Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) paved the way for permanent lights at the Staples High School athletic field, a move that brings to a close a decades’ long struggle between sports boosters and neighbors.

The approval was of a stipulation agreement involving neighbors who had filed suit in Stamford Superior Court more than two years ago, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Board of Education.

“Congratulations, everybody,” said P&Z Chairman Ron Corwin. “Amen.”

First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, who spoke before the vote, called the agreement “a really historic occasion.”

Senior captain Abbey Lake and freshman Chloe Rosenfield (14) in action today as Staples opened state LL Tournament play with a solid 3-1 victory against the SWC Champion Green Wave in New Milford. Lake scored three goals, assisted by Rosenfield, and senior captain Abby Fagan. The Wreckers defense dominated play with seniors Colleen McCarthy and Alexandra Wiener, junior Siri Andrews, and freshman Megan Root. The Lady Wreckers will play Shelton, the 2010 state champions on Saturday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo