In a match that had all the trappings of an FCIAC final –- a fervent crowd, fierce play and a fight to the finish –- Westport’s Staples High School boys soccer team tonight edged Norwalk, 2-1. 
Frankie Bergonzi is a force for Staples. The junior is part of a defensive unit that has surrendered only three goals in eight games. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lisa Krosse for WestportNow.com
The game marked the halfway point of the regular season. Staples, now 8-0-0, is now off until Saturday at 6 p.m. at Brookfield.
Tonight’s match at Norwalk’s Testa Field was scoreless through the first half. Both sides had chances, but the Wrecker defense of Mikey Fitzgerald, Sean Gallagher, Frankie Bergonzi and Jack Hennessy –- with keeper Michael McCarthy backing them up –- held fast.
Staples broke the deadlock 3 minutes into the second half. Matteo Marzoli’s corner kick was not cleared, and Fitzgerald was there to bang it home.
The Bears equalized a minute later, but the Wreckers then regained control. Still, Norwalk was dangerous. With 7 minutes remaining, Mikey Scott’s corner kick led to a foul in the box. Alan Reiter struck the ensuing penalty kick true.
The two sides battled to the end, in what could be a prelude of post-season play.
“We needed a game like this,” said Staples head coach Dan Woog.
“We had to be tested against a great team. We will see them again, I’m sure. And if the next game with Norwalk is anything like this, the fans will definitely get their money’s worth.”
