WESTPORT — The Staples boys soccer team used every inch of Wakeman Field – along with team and individual speed, and a steady, controlling tempo – and rolled to a convincing 4-0 win over Manchester Tuesday afternoon.

The victory – in the first round of the LL (extra large schools) state tournament – propels the Wreckers into the second round.  

Staples struck early against the Red Hawks. Tim Liakh won a ball in the 9th minute, then sent Reese Watkins in the box. The senior striker was taken down, then nailed the ensuing penalty kick. 

After a crazy sequence of near misses, Staples scored a decisive second goal a minute before halftime. Ryan Thomas power-headed Matthew Jordan’s lacing corner kick, for an important big lead. 

Four minutes after intermission, Adam Syah earned a corner kick. Jordan kicked to defender Jackson Hochhauser, who headed home the goal.

The final tally came in the final regulation minute. Will Adams and Murilo Moreno combined to set up Thomas. His blast off the far post sealed the win.

It was a solid victory. But, said head coach Dan Woog, “it’s already in the rearview mirror. Now we’re just concentrating on Conard. We’re taking it one match at a time.”

Ranked #6, Staples will next play #22 Conard-West Hartford. The upstaters edged #11 West Haven on Tuesday. The second round match is set for Thursday, 2 p.m. at Wakeman Field.