WESTPORT — Harding brought a 5-4-0 record to Wakeman Field for Thursday’s boys soccer match against Staples. But this was the first LL (extra large) school’s team the Bridgeporters faced.

The Wreckers showed why they sit atop the FCIAC standings.

Staples scored early and often. They netted five first-half goals, then added one more in the second for a 6-0 win.

The first tally came in the 11th minute. Gabe Hellman curved a ball into Avery Mueller, who carried through the box. He fed Sam Rossoni, who slid through and finished well.

Two minutes later Mueller rounded the keeper. Chase Watkins was there to add the second score.

Mueller slammed 2 shots off the post. Then Zach Gorin lofted a ball across the penalty area. Rossoni nodded it calmly in, for his second 2-goal match of the season.

Two minutes after that — in the 25th minute — center back Santi Alfageme played a long ball over the top. Mueller picked it up in stride, for a 4-0 edge.

Just before halftime, sophomore Mike Brennan and Watkins combined to hit Grey Epstein, for a nice tap-in goal.

Jonny Costello’s second-half goal ended the scoring.

The road gets tougher for Staples on Saturday. The 9-1-2 Wreckers host the 8-2-1 Trumbull at Wakeman field; kickoff is 10:30 a.m. Staples. The Westporters are first in the FCIAC, and on top of the LL table. The Eagles are tied for second in the league and third in LL. 

(Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest CIAC updates.)