Staples Boys Soccer Stops South Windsor

The celebration in the photo above was short-lived. Stephen Rowland’s (6) goal was ruled offside. But the Staples boys soccer team was already up 1-0, thanks to Thomas Nealon’s penalty kick. And the Wreckers got stronger as the game went on, earning a 1-0 win at South Windsor in today’s opening round LL (extra large schools) state tournament match. It was an upset based on seedings, as Staples was ranked No. 21 (7-3-6 record) and the Bobcats were ranked No. 12 (11-5-0). The blue-and-whites now set their eyes on another higher-ranked foe: New Milford (ranked No. 5, 11-2-2). That match is Thursday at New Milford. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Armelle Daniels for WestportNow.com