WILTON — In a tense defensive battle between two elite teams, #4 seed Staples defeated #1 seed St. Joseph in the semifinal round of the FCIAC girls soccer tournament.

Each team’s defense was sterling as the game was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation play.

During the first 10-minute overtime, neither team found the net. Second overtime? Same result.

With the score still tied at 0-0, each team was given five penalty kicks.

With McKenzie Didio spelling Cami Kolek as goalkeeper, Coco Crombie scored first and Didio blocked a St. Joseph kick. Gaby Gonzalez scored to put Staples up 2-0. St. Joseph found the net to slim the Staples lead to 2-1. Evelyn Chudowsky’s kick clanged off the crossbar and then Didio caught the next shot to preserve the 2-1 lead. After Maddie Sansone’s kick glanced off the crossbar, St Joseph scored to tie the game at two all. Gabi deBrito’s kick found the net, St. Joseph’s final kick hit the crossbar. Staples wins.

Throughout the regulation and overtimes, Staples kept the offensive pressure on. Maddie Sansone had several shots blocked. On defense, Cami Kolek chalked up another remarkable performance, helped by Gaby Gonzales.

In the other semifinal, Wilton and Ludlowe also traded zeros in regulation and overtime. Wilton won on penalty kicks, so the Wreckers will play the Warriors in the FCIAC Finals at Warde on Thursday, at 7 p.m.