WESTPORT — Cheered on by dozens of young Bridgeport fans from the Staples boys soccer mentorship program — and sparked by four goals in the first 23 minutes — the Wreckers cruised to a 7-0 victory over St. Joseph of Trumbull on Thursday at Wakeman Field.

The victory — against an opponent that had won only once in 12 matches — was notable for several reasons. It marked the most goals scored by the Westporters since 2021, when they notched back-to-back 7-0 victories over St. Joseph and Bridgeport Central.

Tri-captain Sam Rossoni and Luca Caniato made their first appearances of the year, following pre-season injuries. Caniato’s was particularly fulfilling: It was his first varsity game ever — and he scored.

Six junior varsity players also notched their first varsity minutes against the Cadets: Ryan Allen, Adriano Carpi, Ford Epstein, Owen Perry, Thomas Pretty and Emmett Zahler.

All of that delighted the young students from the Lighthouse program at Luis Marin Elementary School in Bridgeport. Under the direction of Head Coach Russell Oost-Lievense, Staples’ varsity players have mentored the younger players, who traveled to Westport to cheer on their role models.

At halftime, the Staples freshmen led the Lighthouse players in a penalty kick competition.

Facing a strong first-half wind, the Wreckers’ first score came in the 13th minute. Emmett Nivaud picked up a loose ball and fired.

A minute later, Zach Gorin fed Jonny Costello, who cruised in alone.

The Wreckers controlled the tempo throughout, spreading the field and moving the ball confidently.

In the 22nd minute Costello found Zach Beebe, making a good run upfield. The tri-captain connected with Gorin, who was unmarked in front of the net for goal number 3.

A minute after that, Nivaud picked up another loose ball, and one-timed a shot in.

The second-half scoring began with passes from Gabe Duque and Adrian Rodriguez to Noah Rossoni, who finished calmly and strongly.

Though outmatched, the Cadets never gave up and continued playing hard. But they were no match for their hosts. 

Caniato’s goal was a well-struck shot from the corner.

Mikey Brennan closed out the scoring in the 70th minute, with a shot just like Caniato’s.

The Westporters now have a rare six-day layoff until their next game. They face Westhill of Stamford at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Wakeman, then close out the FCIAC schedule at Ridgefield at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. The Wreckers and Tigers are battling for an FCIAC playoff spot. 

They end the regular season the next day, with a non-league match at Harding of Bridgeport at noon Saturday, Oct. 19. (Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest updates.) 

The FCIAC playoffs begin Oct. 23.