Staples Boys Soccer Falls on Penalty Kicks

Just 48 hours after stunning top-seeded, defending state champion Glastonbury, the Staples High School boys soccer team today played its next game in the state LL tournament. FCIAC champion and No. 8 seed Trumbull scored first, but the Wreckers battled back. They tied it 1-1 with just 5:58 remaining, on Evan Birns’ spectacular diving header. Twenty minutes of overtime produced no goals, so the teams proceeded to penalty kicks. Staples made four of their five -– but the Eagles converted all five, to take the pressure-packed, excellently played match 2-1. It was a brutal end to the season for the Wreckers, who won seven of their final nine matches, and won respect around the state for their skillful, gritty and exciting play. Pictured: The Staples team watches intently during penalty kicks. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Christina Bassler for WestportNow.com