The Staples boys soccer team today got an early goal from Steve Smith, then played smart offense and tough defense to defeat Greenwich 1-0 in the FCIAC quarterfinals.
Staples’ Lorenz Esposito challenges Greenwich goalkeeper Emmett Clarke today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
The win –- before a large Homecoming crowd at Loeffler Field -– sends the Wreckers into the league championship semifinals. That game will be played Tuesday at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, at a time and against an opponent to be determined.
Staples is three-time defending FCIAC champions. In a few games this year, the Wreckers looked like they may not contend for a fourth straight crown. But today’s match showed smart, opportunistic play all over the field.
Smith’s goal, at the 10:00 mark, began with David Hoffman winning a ball. Lorenz Esposito’s header off Hoffman’s cross was punched out by goalkeeper Emmett Clarke, but Max Hoberman pounced on the rebound. His shot too was saved.
It came out to Smith, the central midfielder who smoothly left-footed a shot home.
The Wrecker defense of Jake Malowitz, Alex Tonsberg, Ben Root and Harry Birch was solid, with Taylor McNair patrolling the back particularly well. Keeper James Hickok earned the shutout with excellent positioning, sure hands and quick distribution.
Staples coach Dan Woog lauded his team’s effort all over the field.
“Like so many generations of Staples teams, our guys are taking it one game at a time, playing hard, and looking forward to all that lies ahead,” he said.
