TRUMBULL — On paper, it was a mismatch. The Staples boys soccer team, ranked first in the “LL” (extra large) division, had lost just once this year. Their hosts Thursday afternoon, St. Joseph’s High, were winless.

When sophomore Brendan Allen scored in the 17th minute, and Avery Mueller made it 2-0 20 minutes later, it looked like the rout was on.

But the Cadets halved the score 20 seconds later on a breakaway, then drew level 28 seconds before halftime on a penalty kick.

The Wreckers picked up their game in the second half.

Mueller scored three more times, on assists from Sam Rossoni and Emmett Nivaud, and pulled away for a 5-2 victory. Mueller’s total of four goals equals the Staples all-time single game record, shared by a number of players.

Staples closes out the regular season next Tuesday, at 4 p.m., at Westhill of Stamford. The FCIAC quarterfinals begin Friday, Oct. 27. The Wreckers are assured of a home game.

(Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest CIAC updates.)