Staples and Norwalk tied 2-2 today, in a boys soccer match that delivered all it promised.
Staples’ Ben Root (l) and Dylan Evans have their hands full with Norwalk’s Santiago Muriel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
The Wreckers and Bears -– two of the top teams in the state –- clashed at Staples’s Loeffler Field. The large crowd saw a nearly scoreless first half.
Suddenly -– with just eight seconds remaining -– Staples’ David Hoffman fed Dylan Hoy on the left side. The junior attacker slotted home a perfect goal.
The Bears came out on fire in the second half, but the Wreckers made it 2-0 in the 51st minute. Ben Root won a ball, and found Lorenz Esposito wide.
He laid off to Max Hoberman, who beat his man into the corner and launched a cross. The shot was saved – but Hoy was there to knock in his second goal of the day.
Norwalk came back just 22 seconds later, slicing the score to 2-1.
The Wreckers had plenty of chances – including a blast by Harry Birch off the crossbar, and a Taylor McNair header off Steven Smith’s cross – but with 5:33 to go, Norwalk was awarded a penalty kick. Keeper James Hickok – who had a tremendous day – saved Nic Zuniga’s shot, but Zuniga followed up and finished the rebound.
Staples replied with pressure of its own, but the game ended deadlocked. Staples is still unbeaten (5-0-1), and returns to action Monday with a 4 p.m. home match against Brien McMahon.
“This was a game that had everything,” said Staples head coach Dan Woog.
“I think both teams would like another shot at each other -– this is a great rivalry, for us and for all soccer fans.”
Not only is this team great on the field, they are champs in community action The team recently had a much needed food drive for the Gillespie House and the Mercy Learning Center for Women. Bravo men!