WESTPORT — Just 44 seconds elapsed in the Staples boys soccer game Wednesday when Will Murray won a hard tackle, Emmett Nivaud crossed and a Bridgeport Central defender knocked the ball in for an own goal.

It looked like the rout was on at Wakeman Field.

It wasn’t.

Hilltopper keeper Dovens Noger saved an 18th-minute penalty kick, and added several other outstanding stops. His defense stood up well to Staples pressure.

The Wreckers did not get a second goal until five minutes were left in the first half. Sophomore Adrian Rodriguez picked up a loose ball, and cruised in alone.

But the visitors — with just a 1-6-0 record against tough opponents — pulled within one, on a 50th-minute penalty shot. Then, gaining confidence, they made a game of it, battling hard right to the end.

Central had several chances, including a corner kick headed just wide in the 71st minute. A last-minute free kick was also headed out of bounds.

Strong defense by Alex Kuster — including a key sliding tackle late in the match — was a key to the Wreckers’ 2-1 victory. 

Staples coach Russell Oost-Lievense played several reserves through much of the second half, showing confidence that they could see the game through.

At the midway point in the season, the Wreckers are 5-3-0. They look to continue their three-game winning streak at 4 p.m. Friday against Fairfield Warde at Wakeman Field. (Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest updates.)