The Staples boys soccer team scored first, but Simsbury rallied to down the Wreckers 2-1 in overtime in Saturday night’s state “LL” (extra large schools) final. 
Members of the Staples boys soccer team walk together across the field following their loss to Simsbury. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Amy Lamb for WestportNow.com
The Wreckers, who earlier earned a share of the FCIAC championship, end the season at 18-2-3. That ties them for the second highest win total in the school’s 48-year soccer history.
Staples—ranked No. 7 in the tournament—controlled much of the first half against their once-beaten, No. 4-ranked foes.
They got an early goal, just 11 minutes in, when Brendon Cristobal flicked a ball to Preston Hirten.
He cut inside, beat his defender and ripped a shot, which the goalkeeper saved with his foot. The ball caromed straight up, and Hirten—alertly following his own shot—finished strongly.
The Wreckers had several other excellent chances in the first 40 minutes, but were denied by good saves or shot just wide.
In the second half the momentum swung Simsbury’s way.
Despite several superb saves by goalkeeper Dave Sharpe, they equalized in the 58th minute on a scramblel off a free kick.
The game winner came midway through the first sudden-death overtime, an arcing shot from 30 yards out that dipped over everyone before nestling in the far corner.
“We just ran out of gas,” head coach Woog said. “And we ran out of time.
“It’s a tough, tough way to end. If we had been able to get one or two more in the 1st half, it would be a completely different story.
“But we didn’t, and that’s part of the game. I’m sorry for this great, great group of young men. They’ve had an amazing run. I wouldn’t trade them for any other team in the world.”
