Staples players (in white, from left) Ben Root, Taylor McNair, Harry Birch and Lorenz Esposito get set to defend a Greenwich free kick in today’s FCIAC quarterfinal match at Loeffler Field. The Wreckers edged the Cardinals 1-0, and move on to Tuesday’s semifinals at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, against New Canaan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

The Staples boys soccer team today got an early goal from Steve Smith, then played smart offense and tough defense to defeat Greenwich 1-0 in the FCIAC quarterfinals.

Staples’ Lorenz Esposito challenges Greenwich goalkeeper Emmett Clarke today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

The win –- before a large Homecoming crowd at Loeffler Field -– sends the Wreckers into the league championship semifinals. That game will be played Tuesday at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, at a time and against an opponent to be determined.

Staples is three-time defending FCIAC champions. In a few games this year, the Wreckers looked like they may not contend for a fourth straight crown. But today’s match showed smart, opportunistic play all over the field.

Smith’s goal, at the 10:00 mark, began with David Hoffman winning a ball. Lorenz Esposito’s header off Hoffman’s cross was punched out by goalkeeper Emmett Clarke, but Max Hoberman pounced on the rebound. His shot too was saved.

Staples’ Noah Bender battles Harding’s Damilola Shogbola for the ball today as Wreckers controlled play, shutting out the Presidents of Bridgeport 9-0 to finish the regular season 10-2-4. Diego Alanis got two goals; Terence Gibbons, Max Hoberman, David Hoffman, Dylan Hoy, Noah Bender, Jack Scott and Will Meinke struck for one each. Staples opens defense of its FCIAC championship on Friday at 3 p.m. at home against Greenwich. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Taylor McNair for WestportNow.com

Fighting for a spot in the FCIAC playoffs, the Staples girls soccer team came out strong today in the gusty wind to beat McMahon 4-1 at McMahon. Abbey Lake (above) scored a hat trick, and Turner Block headed in a corner kick, perfectly placed by Alexandra Wiener. The girls play at Stamford on Thursday for their last regular season game, and hopefully a ticket to the FCIAC tournament. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Dylan Hoy celebrates after scoring against Danbury today. Staples’ Joe Greenwald added a second tally –- but the Hatters rallied to tie 2-2 at Loeffler Field. The Wreckers, now 9-2-4, host Harding on Wednesday. The match -– which includes Senior Day ceremonies -– begins at 4 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

The Westport Diamond Divas, Junior division/U14 softball team, captured the Fall district title today with a hard fought 9-7 win over Stratford.

The winning Diamond Divas. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Led by game MVP Maya Mandell with a home run and five RBIs, Hannah DeBalsi with three RBIs and Colby Siegal with one more, the Divas won this grudge match to a fast pitching, hard hitting, team they had not beaten in three prior attempts this season.

Strong pitching by Emily Lustbader and defensive gems by Gabriela Perry and Robin Adelkopf secured the win in this tension-filled seesaw final.

“Coach Peter (Perry) and I couldn’t be more proud of these girls for their accomplishments this season,” said head coach Adam Adelkopf. “The championship upset over long time rival Stratford Riptide was a spectacular finish to the season and included key contributions from everyone along the way.”

Youngsters gathered today at the ballfields behind Westport Town Hall where the Westport Fall Softball Classic was under way. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

Staples senior Jon Heil looks for daylight on a 54-yard touchdown run off a bad snap on a punt attempt to seal the Wreckers’ 38-16 win over Trumbull tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo