It took 100 minutes of tough, smart and skillful soccer –- and then penalty kicks -– but the Staples boys soccer team defeated New Canaan 1-0 tonight in the FCIAC semifinals at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
David Hoffman (20) and Ben Root break away from New Canaan today as the Wreckers won 1-0 on penalty kicks in the FCIAC semifinals. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
The nail-biting victory lifts the Wreckers into the league championship, Friday at 7 p.m. at Fairfield Ludlowe Staples is three-time defending champions. They will also be shooting for their fifth title in the past six years.
Tremendous defense by Taylor McNair, Jake Malowitz, Alex Tonsberg, Harry Birch and Ben Root keyed the victory.
“Staples has lived and died by its defense for over 50 years,” said head coach Dan Woog. “This was another in a long line of classic performances.
Goalkeeper James Hickok played a key role in the victory too. He made one superb stop in overtime, then saved New Canaan’s first and last penalty kicks to secure the win.
Max Hoberman, Ben Root and Steve Smith all converted their PKs for the Wreckers.
Offensively, Staples was led by David Hoffman, Dylan Hoy, Dylan Evans, Joe Greenwald, Terence Gibbons, Hoberman and Smith.
“We had the run of play for much of the night,” Woog said. “Our guys gutted this one out. It was a tremendous performance – and now we’re ready for Friday.”
