WESTPORT–Goals by Adrian Rodriguez, Noah Rossoni and Greyson Downes sparked Staples to a convincing 3-0 Senior Day win over Trumbull Friday, at Wakeman Field.
This is an uncharacteristic down year for the Eagles. After two decades at or near the top of the FCIAC and state, they are now 2-9-1. The Wreckers raised their record to 10-2-0, with 4 matches remaining. Tied for third,
Tied for third, the blue-and-whites seem almost assured of a home match in the FCIAC quarterfinals that begin in two weeks.
The game began slowly, after the seniors were honored. But with Gabe Hellmann and Dylan Shackelford attacking out of the back, Gabe Duque taking wide swaths of space up top, Josh Whitaker roaming freely, Drew Hill commanding midfield, and the Wreckers winning most 50/50 balls by stepping up all of the field, the hosts were clearly in command.
They played with poise, patience and efficiency, methodically waiting for their chance.
First half highlights included keeper Jack D’Amore handling a difficult high bouncing ball, and Owen Perry’s curving blast saved high.
Four minutes before halftime, Trumbull caved to the pressure. Ford Epstein opened up the field with a seeing-eye pass from the left side. Duque took it in stride and fed Rodriguez, who finished low and hard into the far corner.
Two minutes later, Rossoni’s rocket off the post just missed doubling the lead.
But he got his goal four minutes after intermission. The junior picked up a loose ball at the top of the box. He did not hesitate, firing straight down the middle.
Zach Gillman, Cillian Morris, Chase Cammeyer and Jaden Waldman came on, and kept the level high.
The final tally came 10 minutes from time. Lucas Alarcon’s well-taken corner found Greyson Downes, who leaped high over his defender to head it home.
Thomas Pretty kept the clean sheet late in the contest, clearing a ball off the line.
The Wreckers next host Danbury on Monday (4 p.m., Wakeman).
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