UPDATE It wasn’t easy – but Westport’s Staples High School boys soccer team today won its state tournament round of 16 match 3-2 against Newtown. The next round has been postponed until Monday at 2 p.m. at Amity-Woodbridge.
Goalkeeper Michael McCarthy initiates a Staples attack against Newtown today. McCarthy made a penalty kick after the teams tied during regulation and overtime, helping the Wreckers to a 3-2 victory in their state round of 16 match. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lisa Krosse for WestportNow.com
Leading 2-0 at halftime, on goals by Mike White and Matteo Marzoli—off assists from Brendan Lesch and Andrew McNair—they let Newtown back in the game.
The Nighthawks’ two second-half goals woke the Wreckers up Despite ferocious attacking throughout the rest of the match, and two 10-minute overtimes, the match remained tied.
Each team took five penalty kicks. Michael McCarthy,Marzoli, Greg Gudis and Alan Reiter all struck true. The third Newtown shooter hit the goalpost, and the final kicker sent his ball over the goal.
A joyful Loeffler Hill crowd engulfed the Wreckers, who now advance to the state LL (extra large schools) quarterfinal.
Staples, ranked No. 5 in the tourney, travels on Monday to take on No. 4 Amity-Woodbridge at 2 p.m. The match originally was set for Saturday at noon but was postponed because of weather.
“We hope to learn something every game,” said head coach Dan Woog. “Today we learned how important every goal is – and how precious every moment of every match is.
any update on today’s game?