NORWALK — One way to judge a team is by the final score.

Another way is by what they do after a score does not go their way.

Tuesday night, the Staples boys soccer team put last Friday’s 2-1 loss to Brien McMahon behind them.

Decisively.

The Wreckers powered in four first-half goals against Norwalk. They had several second-half chances, but were not threatened en route to their 4-0 win.

The match — played at West Rocks Middle School, while the new Norwalk High is being constructed on the Bears’ former Testa Field — was over not long after it began.

Sixteen minutes in, Zach Gorin played a ball from the left side to Jonny Costello. He found Adrian Rodriguez, where the sophomore — making his first varsity start — touched it home.

Fourteen minutes later, Josh Whitaker laid off to to Perrin Root. He smoothly tucked the pass away, for his first varsity goal.

Just four minutes after coming on for the first time this season, following an injury, Emmett Nivaud pounced on a loose ball. His no-doubt-about-it volley showed what the veteran senior’s presence on the field will mean going forward.

With five minutes left in the half, Whitaker’s cross was deflected to Will Murray. He cleaned it up, depositing it in the back corner for a clear 4-0 edge.

Christian Rinaldi, making his first start in goal, came up big whenever he was tested. As usual, Cormac Mulvey and Jack Schwartz led the defense.

Dylan Shackelford and Alex Kuster came in and maintained the win-the-ball-at-all-costs mentality.

Aaron Varsov filled in at midfield nicely, keeping the midfield balance.

Meanwhile, Root and Murray kept the midfield working well, to create chances.

Staples showed they can put a loss in the rear-view mirror. But a much bigger test looms Thursday. The Wreckers host Stamford — one of FCIAC’s pre-season favorites — on the Wakeman turf. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m.  (Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest updates.)