DANBURY–The longer the season wears on, the larger the target will grow on Staples’ back.

Every team that believes they’re at least decent will be gunning for them. Each foe will bring their “A” game.

Danbury did last night, at their home field. Showing team speed, a willingness to tackle hard, and a bench that roared with every good play, the hosts gave the Wreckers a good fight.

But the undefeated visitors made a 10th-minute goal by Adrian Rodriguez stand up. Their 1-0 victory was their 5th in as many matches.

It marked their 5th straight shutout too.

Kudos to the back four — Thomas Pretty, Peter Nelson, Owen Green, and a rotating cast of Spencer Derekhshan, Ryan Allen and, tonight, Dutch Schlegelmilch — for keeping the ball largely out of dangerous territory. Credit keeper Zach Delman for making the stops when he needs to, and directing his defenders all game long.

At midfield, Noah Rossoni does double duty on both sides of the ball. He’s paired well with Lucas Alarcon.

Alex Saleeb and Greyson Downes do work that often goes overlooked, manning the flanks, switching sides, and pestering the backs so that Rossoni, Reyna and Rodriguez can operate.

What looked like a two-man effort on the goal — Rossoni playing a quick ball through to Rodriguez, for an opportunistic finish — was really the result of Staples’ 11-man effort.

Other teams will bring their “A” game against the Wreckers. But Staples has an “A” team — with plenty of depth too. It will take an A-plus effort to get a result.

There are several teams that can put forth an A-plus effort. 

Next up: Staples returns home tomorrow, after two games on the road. Kickoff at Wakeman Field against Fairfield Warde is 4 p.m.