UPDATE The Staples High School boys soccer team dominated Amity today in the state LL quarterfinals. The 3-0 victory vaulted them into the state semifinals against Glastonbury Wednesday in a match at West Haven at 7 p.m.
Mikey Fitzgerald slams in the second Staples goal of the day today against Amity. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lisa Krosse for WestportNow.com
This is Staples’ fourth state semifinal appearance in six years, and it promises to be a great one. Glastonbury ousted the Wreckers in last year’s semis, scoring two goals in the final eight minutes for a 2-1 win.
The Westporters left nothing to chance today, on a beautiful fall afternoon at the Spartans’ large, wide field. The first goal came in the third minute. Greg Gudis’ corner kick to Mike White was launched into the penalty area. It bounced around, then in, for an electrifying sudden edge.
Staples had several more chances, thanks to inspired play by White, Gudis, and midfielders Brendan Lesch, Alan Reiter, Drew McNair and Mikey Scott. But the second tally came off the foot of defender Mikey Fitzgerald, following two straight corner kicks.
Gudis’ goal early in the second half was especially exciting. The junior won a ball at midfield, outraced his defender on a classic breakaway, then drew out the keeper before coolly finishing.
Team defense nailed down the match for the blue-and-whites. Keeper Michael McCarthy was seldom tested, thanks to the work of Fitzgerald, Jack Hennessy, Frankie Bergonzi, Sean Gallagher, Jake Krosse, and the midfielders and forwards in front of them.
The win followed a nail-biting penalty-kick victory in the Round of 16, over Newtown.
“That was a near-death experience, in soccer terms,” said head coach Dan Woog.
“We talked a lot with our team about what having a new lease on life does—it makes you appreciate all the good things you have.
“Our guys definitely appreciated everything about today’s match—the chance to play, to have a great time with their friends, to make the most of their opportunities. What a great tribute to them.”
