Terence Gibbons’ side-volley goal with just 5:36 lifted the Staples boys soccer team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Wilton today.
Dylan Hoy gives it his best shot, but Wilton goalkeeper James Erario saves. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
It was Staples’ third win in three matches—and Gibbons’ 2nd game-winner. He also netted the lone goal in the opening day victory over St. Joseph.
The match at Kristine Lilly Field was a nail biter. Action flowed back and forth, with both teams having excellent opportunities. Wrecker goalkeeper James Hickok, and defenders Ben Root, Jake Malowitz, Alex Tonsberg, Harry Birch and Taylor McNair, kept the shutout intact in the waning minutes.
Gibbons’ goal began with a long ball from Steve Smith. Malowitz raced forward and one-touched it to the senior, who struck home.
“This was a big and important win,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We really had to work for this – Wilton gave us a great battle. We gutted it out, got a great goal – and learned how important it is to fight hard for everything on the field.”
The Wreckers host Brien McMahon on Saturday (11 a.m.). They’ll collect used soccer balls at that match as part of the “Kick for Nick” drive. The balls will be distributed to Afghan and Iraqi children, by U.S. servicemembers.
