Lorenz Esposito powers past a Norwalk defender in the Wreckers’ 1-0 win. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
Max Hoberman’s goal just minutes into the second half today propelled the Staples boys soccer team to a 1-0 upset win over No. 1-rated Norwalk.
The Wreckers overcame wind, rain – and Norwalk’s high-scoring offense – to post the victory. The Bears came into the match undefeated and untied.
Hoberman pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area, following a long Mikey Scott throw-in, for the lone score.
The Westporters played a balanced game, utilizing smart combination play from Scott, Greg Gudis, Lorenz Esposito, Jake Krosse to control the tempo for important stretches of time.
Brendan Lesch, Ben Root, Frankie Bergonzi, Jake Malowitz and Sean Gallagher combined to keep Norwalk’s vaunted forwards at bay, while James Hickok earned the shutout in goal.
“It’s nice to win a game like this against such a talented, quick and well-coached team,” said Staples head coach Dan Woog. “Norwalk gave us a huge challenge, and our guys rose up well to meet it.”
Because of the weather, the game was moved from the natural grass of Albie Loeffler Field to the nearby Wakeman artificial turf field. It was the first time since the Wreckers pitch was built in 1958 that a home game was played away from Loeffler.
The Wreckers, now 4-2, head to Danbury on Monday for a 4 p.m. match.
