The Staples Boys soccer team moved into the state quarterfinals today with a 1-0 win over Hall-West Hartford at its home Albie Loeffler Field.
Ross McGibney’s clutch goal with just 2:15 remaining in regulation time sealed the victory for Staples.
The Wreckers, now 14-2-2, advance to the state LL (extra large schools) quarterfinals. That game is set for Friday at 2 p.m. at Albie Loeffler Field against E.O. Smith-Storrs.
McGibney’s goal was sweet revenge. The junior striker had several opportunities early, including a near-certain goal that was saved brilliantly by goalkeeper Kevin Sweetland.
But when the Wreckers needed him most, McGibney was there. The play began with an outlet from keeper Sean Milligan to Jon Zimmerman.
The midfielder fed McGibney, who patiently drew Sweetland off his line, then finished low and hard. The goal-scoring celebration that followed was well deserved.
Milligan, sweeper Colin Nangle, defender/midfielder Lee Solomon, and forward Chris Meinke played particularly well for the Westporters.
“We started slowly, finished strongly, and in the end did what we had to do,” said Staples coach Dan Woog.
“We tell our players to be patient—it doesn’t matter when the goal comes. This one came late, but with our solid defense one was all we needed. We’re taking the tournament one game at a time, and enjoying the ride.”
