Max Hoberman’s 16th minute blast powered the Staples boys soccer team to a 1-0 victory today over New Canaan at the Rams’ Dunning Stadium.
Dylan Evans (r) denies Robert Velente any space in New Canaan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
The win –- accomplished with excellent team play and very strong defense –- secured an FCIAC tournament berth for the Wreckers. The three-time league champions now earn a chance to make it four in a row, beginning Friday.
Hoberman’s goal came off of quick, crisp passes from David Hoffman and Lorenz Esposito –- on a play initiated by Hoberman himself.
Goalkeeper James Hickok came up with several big saves, while defender Jake Malowitz cleared a New Canaan shot off the goal line late in the match. Taylor McNair, Alex Tonsberg, Aaron Liu, Ben Root and Harry Birch also contributed offensively, while Steve Smith and Dylan Evans were strong on both sides of the ball.
“This was a huge win,” said head coach Dan Woog.
“New Canaan was right with us in the standings, and we needed a strong performance after our loss to Westhill. Everyone came up big time at a time we needed everyone.”
