Russell Oost-Lievense, who scored the only goal in Staples’ 1-0 victory today over Brien McMahon, puts a move on a Senator defender. Staples is in first place in the FCIAC. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Amy Lamb for WestportNow.com
A pesky Brien McMahon team nipped at Staples’ heels today, but a second-half goal propelled the Wreckers to a 1-0 home victory.
The win raises the boys soccer team’s record to 12-1-2, good for first place in the FCIAC. More importantly, it clinches one of four spots in the FCIAC tournament, which begins next Wednesday. One regular season game remains: Monday, 3 p.m. vs. Danbury in Westport.
The lone goal was a pretty one. In the 50th minute Preston Hirten won a hard tackle at midfield. He fed Matt Lamb, with his back to the goal in the center circle. The tri-captain turned 180 degrees, and found Russell Oost-Lievenze. The junior blazed forward, beating both a defender and the keeper, before finishing low and hard.
“We needed a game like this,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We had to be tested, to see what it’s like to dig deep and win a 1-goal game. This was an important test for us—and it’s nice to see we passed the test.”
