Frankie Bergonzi (15) embraces AJ Green after his rocket goal against Hall. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
A six-goal second half outburst by the Staples boys soccer team turned a close game into a rout tonight as the Wreckers defeated Hall—West Hartford 8-2
in the LL (extra large schools) state tournament semifinal at West Haven High.
Staples—which earlier this year three-peated as FCIAC champion—will vie for its second straight state championship. The Wreckers face Farmington on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Waterbury Memorial Stadium.
Steve Denowitz’s header goal gave the Westporters an early lead. Two minutes before halftime, Court Lake’s rip provided some breathing room.
Staples really poured it on in the second half. Brendan Lesch tallied twice—his first was perhaps the prettiest goal of the year – while Lorenz Esposito, Steve Smith, AJ Green and Alex Tonsberg added solo strikes.
Sean Gallagher, Max Hoberman, Mikey Scott, Ben Root, Taylor McNair, Lars Aanestad and Dylan Hoy registered assists.
“This was absolutely a team effort,” head coach Dan Woog said. “And the final score may not show it, but this was as much a defensive win as an offensive one.
“Coaches Kurt Dasbach and Tom Henske have stressed defense all year. They’ve created a great alignment, given our guys tremendous confidence, and
inspired them to play like tigers.
“It all came together today – and it all starts with Kurt and Tom. Huge props too, of course, to all the guys who made it happen – all over the field.”
