Brendon Cristobal’s goal lifted the Staples boys soccer team to a 1-0 win today over Manchester in the first round of the state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament. 
Staples tri-captain Matt Lamb works his magic in today’s 1-0 Wreckers state tournament win over Manchester. The victory advances them to Wednesday’s second-round match (2 p.m., home). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Amy Lamb for WestportNow.com
The Wreckers, now 15-1-3, face Xavier-Middletown on Wednesday (2 p.m.), in second round action at Staples’ Loeffler Field.
Cristobal won a hard tackle, drove to the corner, then powered through several defenders before slotting his shot home in the 31st minute.
The Wrecker defense of Nicky Hoberman, Ben King, Craig Wolgast, Alex Gendell and Greg Bachman, plus goalkeeper Dave Sharpe, then did their job, ensuring Staples’ sixth consecutive shutout.
We figured there might be a letdown after the intensity of the FCIAC tournament,” said coach Dan Woog. “But we got through this match, and now we’re focused completely on Xavier. Our guys bounce back pretty well.”
