Staples vs. Norwalk

Last year’s Staples-Norwalk contest — a much-anticipated match-up between 2 of the top teams in the league — became the Wreckers’ 1st official home game ever at Wakeman Field, when heavy rain made Loeffler Field unplayable.

Today’s Staples-Norwalk game was almost moved there too, after a week of foul weather.

But Westport’s Parks & Rec crew did a great job getting the grass in shape.  The atmosphere on The Hill — packed with fans of both sides — can’t be beat.  When the 2 teams — again, top contenders in the league — kicked off this afternoon, the large crowd expected an exciting match.

So did many fans around the country, tuning in for the Staples TV studio’s 1st live soccer broadcast ever.

The 1st half was just so-so.

The Wreckers gave the Bears plenty of room to play.  Norwalk took it, but then ran into the tight defense of Jake Malowitz, Harry Birch, Taylor McNair, Alex Tonsberg — and especially Ben Root.

The senior — who scored the only goal in Wednesday’s torrential-downpour win over Ridgefield — was a master of anticipation, winning most balls near midfield.

Neither side had any telling shots until the 32nd minute.  That’s when Wrecker keeper James Hickok made a spectacular sliding save.

The half looked to end scoreless.  Suddenly, David Hoffman played a ball over a defender’s head on the left side.  Dylan Hoy picked up the ball in stride, and finished perfectly.  It was a gorgeous goal — and just 8 seconds remained on the clock.

Norwalk came out fired up after the break.  Birch made a spectacular goal-line save a minute after play resumed.

But Staples was not about to sit back.  The 2nd half heated up.  In the 51st minute Root won a ball, and found Lorenz Esposito wide.

The junior sent Max Hoberman into the corner.  Hoberman beat his man, and laced a ball across the goalmouth.  Keeper Svet Kozak parried it away, but Hoy pounced on the rebound and fired a shot home.  Suddenly, it was 2-0.

Just as suddenly — 27 seconds later — it was 2-1.  The Bears’ Matt Capomolla capitalized with his head on a ball in the corner — proving the adage “goals follow goals” true — and it was back to nail-biting time.

The Wreckers went back on offense.  Three minutes later Hoberman served another fine ball.  It looked like an easy goal — but the shot was flubbed.

In the 58th minute, Birch hammered a shot off the crossbar.  Four minutes after that, Steve Smith’s free kick was nearly headed home by McNair.

But Norwalk was hardly finished.  Hickok was forced into a fine save in the 65th minute.

He saved again, with 5:33 to go — roaring off his line, to the corner of the box — but a penalty kick was awarded.  Hickok readied himself for his 1st PK of the year — against always dangerous Nic Zuniga.

The junior keeper watched Zuniga, reacted — and got a hand on the shot.  But it bounced up and behind him, and caromed in off the crossbar.

Staples came right back — notably on a dangerous free kick by Smith, with less than 3 minutes to go — but the slow-starting game ended very differently:  wildly.

Just like many great Staples-Norwalk games, year after year after year.  Final score:  Staples 2, Norwalk 2.  Season record:  5-0-1. 

QUICK KICKS:   Taylor McNair organized a “Kick for Nick” drive, collecting dozens of used soccer balls to be distributed by US soldiers, to Iraqi and Afghan children.  There will be collection boxes tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 1), at the annual car wash at Saugatuck Congregational Church….

Staples outshot Norwalk 12-11, but the Bears led in corner kicks 3-2….

Partial funding for the Staples Television Network equipment for today’s broadcast came from the Top of the Hill Team….

The junior varsity beat Norwalk 5-1.  The first 2 goals came from Andrew Travers, with assists from Andreas Bru.  Then Andreas Refvik scored, from Yusef Shahin; Steven Sobel put in a free kick from distance, and Ryan Ruggiero knocked home a rebound.  Walker Marsh and Sam Koenig played very strongly for coach Seth Sholes’ side.

Steven Smith is all focus against Norwalk. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Ben Root gets air against Norwalk. (Photo by Carl McNair)

James Hickok gets air as he saves. (Photo by Carl McNair)

A small part of the large crowd on The Hill against Norwalk. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Freshman coach Chris O'Dell (right) at the Norwalk match with (top) Gabe Pensak, Jordan McNair and Zach Feinstein. Matt Bateman is in front. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Neil Brickley ’71 Honored By UConn

Neil Brickley ’71 was honored last week by his alma mater.

The University of Connecticut’s annual “Meet the Huskies” dinner honored the former captain and longtime program supporter.

Neil thanked many Staples teammates in his speech, and credited Staples for giving him a strong foundation in soccer and life.

Congratulations, Neil, on this well-deserved recognition!

Honoring Neil Brickley '71 (center) were (from left) former teammates and classmates Tim Hunter, Mark McGuire, Fred Cantor and Steve McCoy.

Staples vs. Ridgefield

Despite winning 5-1 on Monday, the Wreckers knew it was a lackluster performance.  They vowed that today — against always-solid Ridgefield, coming off a strong 5-3 victory over Wilton — would be different.

Intermittent rain made Loeffler Field slick.  Balls skipped; running was tough.  But Staples started out strongly — so strongly, in fact, that just 4:35 into the match, they scored.

Terence Gibbons — making his 1st start, at midfield — played a ball to Lorenz Esposito.  The junior drove into the corner, juked a defender, and delivered a perfect cross.  Ben Root — a back, racing forward — poked it home for a quick lead.

The goal galvanized the Wreckers, and they parlayed it into their best half of the season.  Steve Smith — playing his best game in a Staples uniform — laid balls off in all directions from midfield.  Kyle Hoberman — also making his 1st start — provided a powerful presence next to him.

Dylan Evans saw more services than he had previously, and took advantage by roaring up the left side.  Esposito, Gibbons and then David Hoffman provided punch up top.

Staples had several more chances throughout the half — with the best ones coming from Smith and defender Jake Malowitz — but the Ridgefield keeper was equal to the task.

The 1st part of the 2nd half belonged to the Tigers.  They mounted plenty of pressure, but Root, Malowitz, Taylor McNair, Harry Birch and Alex Tonsberg were organized and tough.  They defended as a unit, covered well, made smart decisions about when to go and when to hold, and worked the ball out of the back with poise and control.

With keeper James Hickok commanding well — and saving 2 hard shots — they absorbed what Ridgefield threw at them, then regained control of both tempo and territory.

Diego Alanis, Phil Foisie, Noah Bender, Joe Greenwald and Aaron Liu all came off the bench to spark Staples.

The Wreckers managed the game to the end — then managed the mass of reporters and happy fans who descended on them.

They have little time to celebrate — Norwalk looms on Friday — but this Staples squad is proving to be a gritty, gutsy bunch.  They’ve now played 5 matches — and 3 have been 1-0 wins.

“We’ll take it,” said head coach Dan Woog.  “We have tremendous faith in James and our backs.  We defend as a team, and attack as a team.  We’ve got no superstars — different heroes each game.

“The guys like each other, they support each other, and the team chemistry is great to see.  We’re having a good time every day, and that’s what it’s all about.”  FINAL SCORE:  Staples 1, Ridgefield 0.  Season record:  5-0-0.

QUICK KICKS:   Ridgefield’s junior varsity won the battle of midfield, and the game by a 2-0 count….

In the large and wet crowd at the game:  former timekeeper and longtime Staples soccer supporter Dave Harrison P’91, who now lives in New Hampshire, and Neil Brickley ’71, with his son Robert — both former University of Connecticut captains.

Aaron Liu charges into the corner, late in the Ridgefield match. (Photo by Carl McNair)

James Hickok punches a corner kick over the top, as Taylor McNair defends. Hickok made a few key saves, and commanded his defenders well. (Photo by Carl McNair)

A Pasta Dinner With A Purpose

On Monday Lauren Soloff — mother of varsity co-captain Jake Malowitz — heard that the food pantry at Westport’s Gillespie Center is almost empty.

At the same time, Gerry Kuroghlian — retired English teacher and longtime Staples soccer supporter — noted that Bridgeport’s Mercy Learning Center, where he volunteers, is also in dire need of canned goods.

Lauren sent a quick email to parents, asking for contributions of cereal, pasta, rice and other non-perishable foods at tonight’s varsity pasta dinner at the Hickoks’.

Nearly every player arrived with bags of food.  The entire project took less than 24 hours — and will mean a great deal to many people at the Gillespie and Mercy Learning Centers.

Staples vs. Trinity Catholic

The smallest school in the FCIAC, Trinity Catholic has traditionally had a tough time fielding a soccer team.  This year they’ve got good numbers, solid organization, a strong keeper in Chris Heffernan — and 7-1 sophomore striker Paschal Chukwu.

For the 2nd year in a row, the Wreckers played on the Crusaders’ small, rough field.  The blue-and-whites had a tough time finding their rhythm, and though Lorenz Esposito converted in the 8th minute — off Dylan Hoy’s head flick, following James Hickok’s long punt — it was still 1-0 after 30 minutes.

That’s when Chukwu equalized, off a long throw.  The goal was the 1st of the season against Staples, after 270 minutes of scoreless play.

Seven minutes later David Hoffman headed home Alex Tonsberg’s long cross.  Just before halftime Noah Bender won a ball, drove into the corner, and slotted a pass that Terence Gibbons rammed home.

Despite the 3-1 edge, Staples was not satisfied.  They knew they had not played their brand of ball.

Things picked up in the 2nd half.  Kyle Hoberman and Phil Foisie paced the squad, winning balls at midfield and opening things up.

In the 60th minute Taylor McNair dropped a long ball forward.  Hoffman tucked it in, for his 2nd goal of the game.

Seven minutes after that, keeper Tucker Rizzi made an outstanding save on a breakaway.

Kyle Hoberman closed out the scoring, finishing a solo effort with a great rip.

Head coach Dan Woog cited Aaron Liu and Ethan Bradeen for their defensive efforts.  They started and played much of the game, in place of starters who were unavailable due to illness and a family commitment.  FINAL SCORE:  Staples 5, Trinity Catholic 1.  Season record:  4-0-0.

Noah Bender battles hard for a ball. (Photo by Carl McNair)

(From left) Phil Foisie, Kyle Hoberman and Diego Alanis work upfield, as a unit. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Taylor McNair and Paschal Chukwu have an oooph moment. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Jim Wolf ’01 Gets Married

Former Staples captain and Lehigh University player Jim Wolf ’01 married fellow Stapleite Lizzie Hayes yesterday, at the Country Club of Darien.

The wedding party included former Wrecker teammates and longtime friends Zack Gross ’01, Matt Katz ’01 and Jordan Schur ’01.  Mike Carey ’01 was best man.

The couple’s dog, Barkley, was the ring bearer.

Following a honeymoon in Italy, Jim and Lizzie will return to their New York City home — and Jim will continue helping the Staples boys soccer program, in any way he can.

Jim and Lizzie Wolf

Staples vs. Wilton

Comparative scores don’t always mean a lot, but when the Wreckers saw the results against common early-season opponent St. Joseph — Staples won 1-0, Wilton 4-0 — they knew they were in for a battle.

They got it.

Action was end to end at Kristine Lilly Field.  The visitors had some good early chances — in particular keeper James Erario’s great stop on Max Hoberman — but the Warriors countered with their trademark flick-ons and direct balls.

Staples goalie James Hickok made 2 key saves midway through the 1st half.  Wilton had the run of play for 10 minutes after that, with the Westporters trying to maintain their distinctive shapes, both offensively and defensively.

In the 43rd minute Jake Malowitz’s rebound goal was called back, for offside.

Two minutes after that Dylan Evans raced forward, earning a free kick.  Steve Smith laced a long ball that Erario parried away at the last second.  He saved again, on the ensuing corner kick.

The Wreckers continued to press.  In the 50th minute Hickok launched a long outlet over the top.  Lorenz Esposito timed it perfectly, and fed Max Hoberman.  But the game remained 0-0.

Staples’ defense was tested, but did not bend.  Taylor McNair held down the middle; Malowitz and Tonsberg patrolled the flanks, while Ben Root and Harry Birch added height and power.

In the 68th minute Diego Alanis forced a corner kick.  There was nail-biting goalmouth action — but still no goal.

Hickok saved brilliantly — twice — in the 73rd minute.

Then Smith corraled a ball near midfield.  He sent a pass forward, to the onrushing Malowitz.  The defender one-timed a ball from the right side across to the goalmouth.  Terence Gibbons timed his run perfectly — and side-volleyed home the 1st goal of the game.  Just 5:36 remained.

Wilton refused to die.  Almost immediately, McNair cleared a ball off the line.

The final 3 minutes were even crazier — and more intense.  But Malowitz and Hickok came up with huge saves.

Finally, the horn sounded.  Staples had an important, hard-earned, gut-it-out win.  It was their 2nd 1-0 victory in their 1st 3 matches.

And Gibbons got the game-winner in both.  Final score:  Staples 1, Wilton 0.  Season record:  3-0-0. 

QUICK KICKS:  Staples outshot Wilton 17-10, and led in corner kicks, 5-2….

The Wreckers will collect used soccer balls at Saturday’s 11 a.m. home match against Brien McMahon.  The “Kick for Nick” drive — for distribution by US soldiers to children in Iraq and Afghanistan — is being organized by Taylor McNair….

The junior varsity beat Wilton 5-0.  Ryan Petersen scored twice; Andrew Travers, Andreas Refvik and Greg Shikowitz (a header, off an Andreas Bru corner kick flicked on by Foster Goldberg) also tallied.  Ryan Moran and Jon Osorio combined for the shutout in goal, while Eric Pan and Jeff Krieger also played well….

Nate Argosh scored 1st, in the freshman match against Fairfield Ludlowe, but the Falcons responded with 4 straight goals.  The Wreckers owned the 2nd half — and Argosh tallied twice more — but ultimately fell 4-3.  Argosh, Jordan McNair and Ellis Laifer all played excellently.

The Staples team is totally involved in the match. Here they cheer Diego Alanis, as he races forward in the waning minutes against Wilton. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Harry Birch gives it his all defensively, while keeper James Hickok sets up for a save. Helping out defensively are Taylor McNair (9) and Alex Tonsberg (16). (Photo by Carl McNair)

Staples vs. Central

Central High arrived at Loeffler Field this afternoon with a distinction no other FCIAC team could claim:  They’d won their previous 2 matches against Staples.

Both by shutout, no less.

But the Hilltoppers have been hit hard, first by graduation, then by a new Bridgeport eligibility rule involving classroom grades.

It took the Wreckers just 1 minute to get on the board.  Steve Smith fed Max Hoberman, whose long cross was finished with clinical precision by Lorenz Esposito.

In the 16th minute Dylan Evans flicked a great ball to Esposito.  The junior striker hit Smith, who fired a long shot.  It rebounded out — and Esposito was there, for his 2nd straight score.

Ten minutes after that, sophomore Diego Alanis found David Hoffman for a header.

Less than a minute later, Hoffman nailed his 2nd goal.  This one came off an assist from Terence Gibbons.

Just 17 seconds before halftime, Alanis and Phil Foisie got the ball to Gibbons; he fed Smith for a 5-0 lead.

A different 11 took the field for the 2nd half, and continued Staples’ strong possession and passing game.

In the 46th minute Will Meinke’s free kick was headed in by Ethan Bradeen.

Jay Kaplan closed out the scoring 10 minutes later, assisted by Joe Greenwald.

“We did exactly what we wanted to, in terms of shape, stepping up and team voice,” said head coach Dan Woog.  “It’s nice to see training translate into matches.” FINAL SCORE:  Staples 7, Central 0.  Season record:  2-0-0. 

QUICK KICKS:  The junior varsity shut out Central 3-0.  Goals came from Andrew Travers, Yusef Shahin and Daniel Boyce (off great passes from Charlie Jersey and Andreas Refvik).  Jon Denowitz and Greg Shikowitz played well defensively, while Ryan Moran earned the shutout in goal…

The freshmen scored 1st in their season opener against Greenwich, but fell 3-1.  Jordan McNair got the goal; he and Ollie Hickson looked strong on defense.

Aaron Liu beats a Central Hilltopper upfield. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Keeper and co-captain James Hickok (15) gives encouragement as his replacement, Tucker Rizzi, takes the field. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Nate Argosh shows speed and moves in yesterday's freshman game. (Photo by Carl McNair)

Top Of The Hill Team Unveils New Web Page

The Top of the Hill Team — Staples boys soccer’s booster organization — has unveiled a new web page.

Accessible through a button at the top of StaplesSoccer.com, the page includes the group’s mission statement; membership information; accomplishments and more.

Click here to see the new Top of the Hill Team page.

The Top of the Hill Team supports the varsity, JV and freshman programs -- and Staples' SuperFans.

Jake Krosse ’11 Makes Northeastern Club Team

Jake Krosse ’11 has joined the ranks of college club players.  The midfielder is on Northeastern University’s squad.

Northeastern tied the Boston College club team yesterday.  Big games loom against Boston University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Connecticut — plus a weekend tournament at Penn State, and the regional tournament in late October.

Perhaps Jake’s Northeastern club team will meet Mikey Scott ’11′s Michigan club team somewhere down the line.

Jake Krosse brings his intense Staples spirit to the Northeastern University club team.