Two goals by Mike White, and one each from Alan Reiter and Steven Denowitz, powered Westport’s Staples High Schools boys soccer team to a 4-1 win over Conard today in round one of the state LL tournament.
A Conard attacker tries whatever he can to get past Staples defenders Sean Gallagher and Mikey Fitzgerald today. Staples won 4-1, and advances into the state tournament round of 16. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lisa Krosse for WestportNow.com
This victory—enjoyed by an enormous Loeffler Field crowd—advances the Wreckers into the state tourney round of 16. That match will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at Staples’ Loeffler Field. The Westporters host Newtown, 3-0 victors over Ridgefield in round one.
White’s two goals—the first of the game—were opportunistic. The first came after a free kick from Andrew McNair was flicked on by Brendan Lesch. Conard tried to clear it off the goal line, but White’s header was true.
Four minutes before halftime, another McNair free kick bounced once. White ran on, and finished hard.
Staples was not finished with their first-half scoring. A spectacular 60-yard run by White ended when he was hauled down in the box. Alan Reiter converted the ensuing penalty kick.
The Wreckers made it 4-0 as Steven Denowitz’s power-headed Alex Tonsberg’s corner kick home.
The Chieftains tallied with two minutes to play. But that did not dent the solid defensive effort of Mikey Fitzgerald, Sean Gallagher, Frankie Bergonzi, Jack Hennessy and keeper Michael McCarthy.
“This was a nice, solid win,” said head coach Dan Woog. “It was particularly gratifying because we have a history of starting the state tournament slowly.
“Newtown will give us a battle. But our guys are playing well. They’re focused on each game, and on their goal at the end of two weeks. We’re ready for whoever comes down the hill.”
