Westport’s Staples High School varsity girls soccer team easily defeated Manchester High School 3-0 in the first round of the Class LL state tournament today at Manchester.
Junior Kelly Bohling controls the play in today’s Class LL match against Machester. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Staples took advantage of a strong run by sophomore Abbey Lake in the opening seconds of the game. Lake dribbled down the left flank and beat a Manchester defender to the end line, finishing with a cross to Jaclyn Katz who scored from point blank range only 55 seconds into the match.
The remainder of the first half was dominated by Staples. Possession, shots and corner kicks were all heavily in favor of the Wreckers, but the Indians withstood the pressure and forced Staples to the intermission with only a 1-0 advantage.
Looking to expand their halftime lead, Staples pressured Manchester repeatedly after the break, including an Abbey Lake breakaway that was spectacularly saved by the Manchester keeper early in the second half.
After multiple chances for Staples, Katz broke through a second time at the 50 minute mark, taking a pass from Nicole Brill and cutting back to create room for her shot. Katz’s blast from 20 yards beat the Manchester keeper giving Staples a 2-0 advantage.
With 15 minutes to play, Julia Byrne took a pass in the midfield from Lake and cut to the center of the field. Byrne struck a left footed shot from 25 yards that beat the Manchester keeper for the Lady Wreckers’ third and final goal of the afternoon.
Staples will travel to Glastonbury High School to take on the top seeded and undefeated Glastonbury Tomahawks (15-0-1) on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
