UPDATE It took 100 nail-biting minutes, but the Staples boys soccer team gutted out a 2-1 overtime win over Guilford today.
Defender Sean Gallagher was rock-solid in Staples’ 2-1 overtime win against Guilford. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lisa Krosse for WestportNow.com
The victory advances the Wreckers into the state LL (extra large schools) quarterfinal. That match will be played Saturday, at a time and site to be determined.
Guilford – ranked 12th , with a 12-2-4 record – gave the fifth-rated Wreckers (now 18-2-1) all they could handle. Steve Smith’s corner kick snuck in through a crowded box with 16 minutes remaining, but the Indians equalized five minutes later on a shot by James Carroll.
The game-winner came midway through the first 10-minute overtime period. Mikey Scott’s long throw found Greg Gudis, who volleyed home a beauty.
The men of the match for Staples were goalkeeper James Hickok, who saved several difficult shots in heavy traffic, and defenders Sean Gallagher and Frankie Bergonzi.
“There will be games like this,” said head coach Dan Woog. “Teams that win titles have to win these types of matches — as tough and un-pretty as they are.
“I told our guys to look forward now, and I know they will. That’s what makes the state tournament so exciting.
