FARMINGTON–Injuries and illnesses to half the starters forced Staples boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense to use a makeshift lineup in Saturday’s first-ever FCIAC/CCC Challenge Cup match against Glastonbury High. The marquee event featured 10 of the top teams from the two toughest leagues in Connecticut, all playing at Farmington Soccer Arena.

The Wreckers’ starting 11 – three sophomores, four juniors and four seniors – faced a 5-0-0 Guardians team, traditionally a state championship contender. The Wreckers kept the score level through 25 minutes, but a four-goal barrage before halftime iced the match for the upstaters. The second half was scoreless. Two excellent saves – one on Matt Shackelford, the other on Avery Mueller – preserved the shutout. The Wreckers lost, 4-0.

Despite the loss, Staples is confident going into Wednesday’s match against Darien (4 p.m., Wakeman Field). They played with poise and intelligence against a perennial powerhouse. They’re gaining experience. And in the face of great adversity, they never backed down.