Taylor McNair heads out of danger in the Staples first-round state tournament game. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
For 53 years, Staples boys soccer teams have gutted out state tournament wins.
Today was no exception. The Wreckers –- ranked No. 11 in the LL (extra large schools) tourney -– played airtight defense against No. 22 Manchester, in their first round game at Loeffler Field.
But goals have not come easily for Staples this year. Despite outshooting the Indians 22-4—and leading in corner kicks 10-1 –- the Wreckers headed to overtime.
Three minutes into the second OT, Max Hoberman broke the deadlock, knocking in a picture-perfect cross from Steve Smith. That was all Staples needed. Goalkeeper James Hickok, and defenders Taylor McNair, Jake Malowitz, Aaron Liu, Ethan Bradeen, Ben Root and Harry Birch kept Manchester at bay for the final seven minutes.
The Wreckers 1-0 win vaults them into the state tournament round of 16.
That match will be played Monday at Farmington at 5 p.m. atTunxis Meade Field.
Staples is now 13-3-4 on the season.
