Jack “The Chief” Hennessy directs his defense today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
UPDATE The Staples High School boys soccer team today shut out New Milford 4-0 to win its 12th state championship and first since 1993.
Midfielder Brendan Lesch, who scored two goals, was named most valuable player.
The match was played before a large crowd—including many Staples soccer alumni—under sunny skies in 55-degree weather at Ridgefield High School’s Tiger Hollow complex.
The soccer win came on the heels of the Wrecker football team winning the FCIAC crown 14-10 against Bridgeport Central Friday night at Trumbull.
Going into the match, the Wreckers were ranked No. 5 in the LL tournament while New Milford was No. 6.
The match, which Staples dominated from the start, avenged last year’s championship loss to Glastonbury 2-1.
The Wreckers scored two goals in the first six minutes of the march. They added two more in the opening 10 minutes of the second half in front of a raucous and appreciative crowd.
The 4-0 margin of victory is Staples’ widest of all championship teams.
This is the first time since 1972 that a Wrecker soccer squad has won both the FCIAC and state title in the same year. And the team’s 22 wins also breaks the school mark of 21, established last year.
Lesch opened the scoring at the 2:11 mark. He flicked on a long throw from fellow junior Mikey Scott.
The next goal came just four minutes later. A Scott corner kick came to Lesch. His volley was blocked, but Mike White pounced opportunistically for the strike.
Staples’ defense of Jack Hennessy, Mikey Fitzgerald, Frankie Bergonzi, Sean Gallagher and—off the bench—Steven Denowitz was rock solid.
In front, midfielders Lesch, Alan Reiter, Andrew McNair, and Scott defended well and penetrated nicely; Matteo Marzoli and Jake Krosse came off the bench to add punch.
White and Greg Gudis were dynamic up front, while behind them keeper Michael McCarthy was commandingly steady.
The Wreckers struck twice again in the second half. Bergonzi’s cross found White. His shot to the back post was bobbled, and Scott nailed it in.
Lesch and White then combined, with Lesch finishing off a side volley over the keeper.
“I am incredibly proud of all 25 players,” said head coach Dan Woog.
“They set a goal, they worked amazingly hard to attain it, and they did it all with creativity, intelligence, passion and poise.
“They love playing, and they love playing with each other. They have set a standard for all younger players in Westport to follow. And I know they will follow in this team’s footsteps very, very well.”
Woog gathered the players on the field after the match.
“Grab the hand of the guy next to you,” he said. “Think of everybody who helped get us here.”
Great weekend for Staples with Marce Petroccio and his NFL-quality coaching staff leading the football team to a fantastic FCIAC championship win last night and Dan Woog’s soccer team winning state soccer title today. The fact that both teams can be so outstanding in the same season is remarkable and says a lot about the quality of the athletes and the quality of coaches and the support from the school. But great athletics is only one piece of the outstanding school that Staples is. With Broadway-like theater and musical productions, the strong academic tradition, teachers who care so much about their students and John Dodig, the greatest principal in the history of principals. Westport should be so proud of these two teams and how Staples represents our town.
Congratulations to Staples’ winning teams, soccer, football, and others too that came close to big championships this season, plus the extraordinary range of talents on stage and in academics about which we read constantly.
These praises speak volumes about the well managed, well directed and coached programs throughout our school system, amplified by the high level of dedication of all involved. This year’s graduates and their teams deserve enormous applause for their success and leadership.
It should be noted that proud achievements and championships don’t happen by accident; they are the product of genuine talent, quality in depth, and team commitments to a ‘go-the-extra-mile’ dedication – including really first class, creative coaching, teaching and positive interaction at all levels.
Well done to you all !
Gavin Anderson.
Here is a nice video clip of the game and the post-game celebration http://westport.patch.com/articles/staples-soccer-wins-state-championships#video-112853
Being at the Girls’ Volleyball game and watching them work hard with their wonderful coach Bruce Betts was a heartbreaker. They had a great season but were unable to bring back another win. Friday night under the lights at Trumbull High was a magical experience and why some of us still enjoy being principals of high schools. Those boys never gave up even though they were behind until the bitter end. They worked even harder the last five minutes because they believed they could win and they wanted that win for Coach P. They were successful, are the new State Champs, and provided a two minute cliffhanging experience worthy of a Hollywood movie. Saturday afternoon at Ridgefield High School our Boys Soccer Team defeated New Milford soundly. Their joyful expressions as they ran towards their fans will be something I will always remember.
Whether or not these young athletes will still be playing sports in twenty years is anyone’s guess. What they will have with them as part of who they are forever is what Coach Betts, Coach P, and Coach Woog have instilled in them over the years. In my words here is what they’ve learned: “It is better to win than to lose but not at any cost.” These kids have learned to work together to reach a goal, to support one another for the team or to overcome a personal problem. They’ve learned what it means to be a role model for younger kids. They’ve learned respect for their coaches, their school, and themselves. Not bad life lessons.
After seeing a stellar performance of Guys and Dolls and watching all of these athletic events I don’t understand why every adult in Westport isn’t DEMANDING that the schools be supported at any cost. The schools in Westport are exceptional by any national measure. Staples is a model for all American high schools. I am proud to be a part of Staples, this week of theater and sports, and to watch the hard work of teachers each day as they prepare Westport’s children for whatever they will encounter in the future.
Hey John:
I hate to inform you but the football team still has a few games to play before they. like the soccer team can claim the state championship. Otherwise, you are correct as always that Westport schools are a gem and deserve all of our support. And of course you deserve a large chunk of the accolades. Keep up the good work.
Michael,
You are correct. I was thinking ahead. Our football team captured the FCIAC title. I got carried away and certainly hope that my wishful thinking becomes reality.
Congratulations coach Dan Woog and the great Staples Boys Soccer…amazing always…Lots of cheers, Betty Lou Cummings
This was Westport’s Golden Weekend for all of us.
I think of the many hours/days of grunts and sweat that our students put into practices…..be it on a playing field or a stage. It had to become a way of life for them.
None of their successful happenings came over night. It started ‘way back when’……..on a very young playing field or stage. We now realize what helps our youth helps Westport.
They were fortunate in having motivating coaches and directors that helped them persevere with their dreams and inspire them to keep moving forward.Credit goes to all involved.
They are ‘winners all’. Take your well deserving bows…….and, a hugh thank you from other Westporters.