After a run-and-gun start, the Staples boys soccer team settled down Wednesday night on Fairfield Ludlowe’s fast surface. The Wreckers used a strong second half to beat the host Falcons 3-0 in the season opener for both squads.
Staples is in action again on Friday at St. Joseph (4 p.m.).
Just when it appeared the first half would end scoreless, the Westporters struck. Goalkeeper Dave Sharpe outletted a ball to Preston Hirten.
The speedy midfielder raced 70 yards up the right side, drove the endline, then dumped a ball into the penalty area. Matt Sych ran on and headed it in off the left post.
The second goal, in the 70th minute, came when Brendon Cristobal back-heel-flicked in Matt Lamb’s corner kick.
Two minutes later, Keaton Cristobal lofted a 30-yard direct kick over the defensive wall, for the final tally.
The Wrecker defense of Craig Wolgast, Ben King, Sean Soderstrom, Mike Smith and Nicky Hoberman, along with well-positioned keeper Sharpe, helped earn the shutout.
