GREENWICH–A year ago, Greenwich battled back from a 3-1 deficit to stun Staples 4-3, midway through the regular season.

The Wreckers wreaked revenge in the best way possible. They beat the Cardinals in two finals: FCIACs and states.

This year’s Greenwich side is less technical than last year’s. But they entered yesterday’s match at Cardinal Stadium undefeated. The only blemishes on their 7-0-2 mark were draws with Norwalk and Wilton.

Once again, Staples scored three goals. But — thanks to a tenacious defense and midfield, and a legit hat trick (three straight goals) by Adrian Rodriguez — they left no doubt about the result.

The Westporters’ 3-0 victory lifts their mark to 10-0-1. Their fourth straight shutout — and ninth of the season — puts them in good shape, for the final five league contests. They host Fairfield Ludlowe on Monday, and Bridgeport Central on Wednesday (both at Wakeman Field, 4 p.m.), before traveling to Brien McMahon on Saturday for an 11:30 a.m. game.

The start of yesterday’s match was hectic. Greenwich did a good job of disrupting Staples’ rhythm, and nearly snuck in an early corner kick.

Alex Saleeb got Staples’ first shot, in the 7th minute. Keeper Zach Delman then punch-saved a corner.

But in the tenth minute, the Wreckers do what they’ve done so often this year: score early. Noah Rossoni won a bone-crunching tackle, then quickly sent Rodriguez in on the keeper. The Wesleyan University commit finished with poise, as he’s done so often this year too.

That settled Staples down. With Rossoni and Lucas Alarcon commanding midfield, and under pressure from Rodriguez, Saleeb and Greyson Downes — plus the overlapping Peter Nelson — the Cards resorted to banging the ball out of the back.

Kai Massicott and Jaden Waldman came on in the second half, with no letup.

Rossoni was stuffed on a great opportunity in the 52nd minute. Eight minutes later Alarcon found Rodriguez. He cruised in, drew out the keeper, and deposited his second strike gently in the back of the net.

Delman came through with a solid punch save a few minutes later, then saved a rocket off a corner kick. That he was tested so infrequently was a tribute to his back line: Nelson, Thomas Pretty, Ryan Allen, Cairan Kennedy and Spencer Derakhshan.

One other key to Staples’ success this fall has been their tackling. All over the field they step up and in, time their moves well, and win the ball far more often than not.

Rodriguez finished the scoring 12 minutes from time. This assist came from Downes, and ended with another smooth run forward.