As the clock ran out, the smiles broke out among Wrecker players today as they beat Norwalk’s Brien McMahon 14-13. Staples was scoreless in the first half but came back strong in the second. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Staples senior Nick Corona runs the ball for 45 yards and a Staples touchdown in the fourth quarter of today’s come-from-behind 14-13 win over Norwalk’s Brien McMahon at home. He had 99 yards on 16 carries for the day. The Wreckers improved to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in the FCIAC East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A third quarter interception and 47-yard touchdown run by Staples senior Mike Bruno—despite wearing a heavy cast over his right hand to protect a broken wrist—got the Wreckers on the scoreboard to tie the game 7-7 (with a successful extra point kick by Bryan Wrapp) in the third quarter of today’s 14-13 win over Norwalk’s Brien McMahon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Staples junior Ryan Bohling gets knocked out of bounds after picking up a Staples first down with a 32-yard run to set up the winning Wrecker fourth quarter touchdown in today’s 14-13 victory over McMahon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Staples junior Bryan Wrapp does some fancy foot work to pick up a four-yard gain in today’s 14-13 victory over McMahon that had Staples losing 7-0 at the half. Wrapp also contributed with successful all-important extra point kicks despite suffering from leg cramps. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Brien McMahon’s David Dustin manages to recover a loose ball in today’s 14-13 loss to Staples in Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Fairfield Warde’s Chris Lane scored four minutes into the first sudden death overtime period today, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 victory over Staples in the first round of FCIAC boys soccer action.

The goal, a blast from the right side, came after a Wrecker defender slipped on the wet surface of Albie Loeffler Field. 

It was an evenly played match, with both teams having several excellent opportunities. In the final minute of regulation time, either side nearly netted the winner.

“We wanted to spread the field out, work the flanks and dictate the tempo,” said Staples head coach Dan Woog.

Derek Kennedy leaps for Staples and gets backup from Ross McGibney in the Wreckers’ 1-0 loss in overtime against Fairfield Warde today in their quest for another FCIAC championship. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Derek Kennedy goes after the ball for Staples as the Wreckers lost 1-0 in overtime to Fairfield Warde today at home. Warde now faces Bridgeport Central on Tuesday in Norwalk in the FCIAC semifinals. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

The Staples boys soccer team begins its quest for its first FCIAC championship since 2000—and 23rd in history—at 11 a.m. Saturday, on its home Albie Loeffler Field. 

The Wreckers, ranked third in the league, face Fairfield Warde. 

Staples defeated the Mustangs 2-1 in overtime earlier this season. The winner faces Central on Tuesday evening in Norwalk in the FCIAC semifinals. 

“This should be a great match between two solid teams and longtime rivals,” said Staples head coach Dan Woog of the Wrecker-Warde contest. “We hope to have a huge crowd on the hill. This is what playoff soccer is all about.”