Nine consecutive Staples players nailed penalty kicks, lifting the Wreckers to a 1-0 win over previously unbeaten Farmington today in the state “LL” tournament.
The thrilling victory—after 100 minutes of scoreless soccer—advances Staples into the semifinals, against Hall-West Hartford. That match will be played at a neutral field on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The seventh-seeded Wreckers (now 17-1-3) withstood early pressure from the No. 2 (now 17-1-1) Indians at Farmington’s Tunxis Mead Park.
But after 10 minutes Staples found their rhythm, and the remainder of the half belonged to Staples.
Farmington had some early forays in the second half, but the Westporters pressed to the end, and through 20 minutes of deadlocked overtimes. After 100 minutes, both teams headed to penalty kicks.
The first round saw all five Staples kickers—Dave Sharpe, Taylor Stuart, Russell Oost-Lievense, Matt Lamb and Preston Hirten—strike gold. But the five Indian shooters also scored, so five more kickers were ready to go.
Matt Sych and Nicky Hoberman scored, but goalkeeper Sharpe saved Farmington’s seventh shooter.
Then Brad Green tallied—and so did Farmington. Sean Soderstrom made it nine straight for Staples—a phenomenal streak—and when Sharpe saved again, ensuring the win, the jubilant Wreckers poured onto the field.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our guys,” said head coach Dan Woog.
“Farmington was the best team we’ve seen all year. They were physically strong, very talented and well organized. But this is a special group of players.
“We talk often about the many ways a soccer game can be won—and penalty kicks is one of them. It takes incredible poise to make a PK.
“Scoring nine in a row is really something. And four of the shots were by guys who were not on the field during the game. This was a true team effort.”
For the Wreckers, this is their second trip to the semifinals in three years. They are seeking their 12th state title in the school’s history, and the first since 1993.
