The Staples boys soccer team outshot Newtown 12-4 and led on corner kicks 6-3, but the Nighthawks outscored the Wreckers 2-1 today at Blue and Gold Stadium.
Newtown—seeded third in the state “LL” (extra large schools tournament), and ranked eighth in the country, upped their season record to 15-1-1, and advanced to the tourney quarterfinals. Staples, seeded 14th, ends the season at 12-4-2.
Despite dominating play, the Wreckers went into halftime down 1-0. The goal, in the 32nd minute, came after star midfielder Marc Doherty laced a free kick that Chris Hoagland headed in from close range.
The hosts made it 2-0 early in the second half, off a scramble in the penalty area, but Staples retaliated just 51 seconds later. Russell Oost-Lievense played an indirect kick to Ross McGibney. He drove to the left side, then launched a cross to the far post that Ben King headed home.
The Westporters poured on the pressure in the second half. However, Newtown—the defending state champions—repelled every onslaught.
“I am intensely proud of our guys,” said head coach Dan Woog. “They’ve done all we asked of them, and more. They ran the show today, and they ran it beautifully. They fought like tigers. We didn’t win on the scoreboard—but we won a bigger battle. Today our guys turned into men.”
For Staples, the future looks bright. Only six seniors graduate, while 16 varsity players return.
