NEWTOWN–It was only a matter of time.

Despite slightly dominating the first half, and thoroughly taking charge after intermission,  last night’s state “LL” (extra large schools) semifinal between Staples and Hall-West Hartford was deadlocked 0-0 at Newtown High School’s frigid Blue Gold Stadium, with 23 minutes left in regulation time.

But a three-goal explosion — including two just 41 seconds apart — lifted the 4th-seeded Wreckers to a 3-1 win over the #9 Titans. It was another convincing win in a season of them.

And it vaults Staples into the state finals. They’ll shoot for their 13th crown overall — but first since 2009 — on Saturday or Sunday, at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium. The exact day and time will be announced later today.

Their foe will be familiar: Greenwich. They’re #2 in the state, and — like Staples — have romped through the LL tourney. Last night they knocked off South Windsor, 4-1.

It will be a classic final. The Cards came from behind to win at Wakeman Field earlier this season, en route to a rare undefeated, untied FCIAC record. But the Westporters earned revenge, winning the FCIAC title 3-2 less than two weeks ago.

Last night, the Wrecker defense of Spencer Girling, Adriano Carpi, Dylan Shackelford and Gabe Hellman throttled the upstaters. Their first shot did not come until the 50th minute — a great opportunity off a very long throw, cleared off the line by Carpi.

But despite excellent work up top by the tireless duo of Gabe Duque and Josh Whitaker, Staples also did not manage any dangerous opportunities.

Until they did.

As they ramped the pressure up, Hall retreated. As they have all year long, the Wreckers waited patiently for a chance. They did not change their game plan; they did not force things, or rush.

What they did was continue to play team soccer. Duque found Noah Rossoni. The junior pounced on the left side, finishing low and hard.

The celebration had barely ended when the blue-and-whites were high-fiving and chest bumping again. Brendan Allen’s fierce side volleyed, off a poor clearance, after Ford Epstein whipped a cross in high, doubled the lead — and provided a bit of breathing room.

The 67th minute brought a goal the Wreckers have almost patented this fall. Whitaker sliced a classic ball across the box. Junior Adrian Rodriguez, in perfect position, slammed it home.

The Titans did not go down without a fight. Lincoln Bush nicked one goal back soon after Staples’ third. Hall pushed nearly everyone forward then, and made the final 10 minutes interesting.

That left them vulnerable in the back, and Staples nearly capitalized again.

In the end, there was no more scoring. There was only another satisfying victory, a bus ride home to enjoy — and a sure-to-be-classic final to prepare for.