Lorenz Esposito heads out of danger for Staples. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

Staples struck first, in today’s boys soccer game against bitter FCIAC rival Trumbull. But the Golden Eagles equalized with just 1:23 to play. 

The 1-1 draw – while disappointing – kept the Wreckers unbeaten, and on top of the FCIAC standings with a 6-0-2 mark.

Steve Smith’s goal eight minutes before halftime put Staples on top. The midfielder’s hard, low blast was assisted by Ben Root, with good work earlier on the sideline by Dylan Evans. Trumbull’s goal, by Liam O’Sullivan, came on a header off a cross by Keith Bond.

“We’ve proven we can play with anyone,” said head coach Dan Woog. “Now we have to prove we can beat them.” The Wreckers are on the road Monday, for a 4 p.m. clash at Greenwich.

Staples goalkeeper James Hickok saves, amid heavy Trumbull traffic today. The teams tied 1-1 at Loeffler Field. The Wreckers, now 6-0-2, face Greenwich away on Monday at 4 p.m.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

Harry Birch tussles with Brien McMahon’s Alexis Mayorga today as Staples High School eked out a 1-0 win in boys soccer action at Loeffler Field in Westport. The winning goal came from Dylan Evans, with just 1:25 to play. On Thursday, the Wreckers host Trumbull in a key FCIAC contest at 4 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

Staples Head Coach Marce Petroccio (r) and his fellow coaches congratulate their team tonight following a fourth quarter field goal by Robby Wolf that gave the Wreckers a come-from-behind 24-21 over Norwalk’s Brien McMahon at Norwalk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Staples students, family, and fans congratulate football team members on their dramatic come-from-behind 24-21 victory tonight over Brien McMahon at McMahon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Highlights of tonight’s Staples 24-21 victory over Brien McMahon at McMahon. WestportNow.com photos

Staples’ Dylan Hoy shows poise under pressure in today’s 2-2 tie with Norwalk. The junior striker scored both Wrecker goals at Loeffler Field. Staples, now 5-0-1, hosts Brien McMahon on Monday at 4 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

Staples and Norwalk tied 2-2 today, in a boys soccer match that delivered all it promised.

Staples’ Ben Root (l) and Dylan Evans have their hands full with Norwalk’s Santiago Muriel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com

The Wreckers and Bears -– two of the top teams in the state –- clashed at Staples’s Loeffler Field.  The large crowd saw a nearly scoreless first half. 

Suddenly -– with just eight seconds remaining -– Staples’ David Hoffman fed Dylan Hoy on the left side. The junior attacker slotted home a perfect goal.

The Bears came out on fire in the second half, but the Wreckers made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. Ben Root won a ball, and found Lorenz Esposito wide.

He laid off to Max Hoberman, who beat his man into the corner and launched a cross. The shot was saved – but Hoy was there to knock in his second goal of the day.

The rain on Wednesday did not deter the Staples cross-country runners on North Avenue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com