Staples Boys Soccer Scores State Tournament Upset Win

Timmy Liles’ overtime goal today lifted the Staples boys soccer team to a 1-0 upset win over Stamford in the opening round of the state LL (extra large schools) tournament. The senior slotted in a rebound, following a long outlet from defender Will Birch, and Azam Plummer’s strong run and cross. The goal –- two minutes from the end of the first overtime period -– followed a scoreless 88 minutes of play. The Wreckers –- seeded No. 21 in the tourney – had fallen to the No. 12 Black Knights 1-0 during the regular season. The win was keyed by superb defense from Birch, Chris Martenson, Ryan Fincher and Gabe Baltierra, and excellent goalkeeping by Ry Cohen. Staples advances to the second round on Wednesday at Ridgefield. Fincher is shown in the photo, surrounded by a gaggle of Stamford attackers.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Alan Frost for WestportNow.com