WESTPORT–For the second time in three days, the Staples soccer team was patient.

Yesterday afternoon at Wakeman Field, that patience produced results much more quickly than Tuesday night in New Canaan, where it took 60 minutes to score in a 1-0 win.

After strong early pressure from Brien McMahon, the Wreckers tallied eight minutes in. Josh Whitaker’s alert, against-the-run-of play goal gave Staples the break they needed. They took control of the game, scored again 12 minutes before halftime — and then 120 seconds later.

Two second-half goals

Two more well-struck second half goals earned the hosts a solid 5-1 victory. The Senators — who dropped a 3-1 decision to a strong Stamford side in their home opener — fell to 0-2.

The schedule ramps up quickly. The Wreckers host a match at noon Saturday against non-conference Enfield, then prepare for a huge week.

Norwalk and Stamford come to Wakeman Field on Monday and Wednesday, respectively, for 4 p.m. matches. On Saturday, September 13, Staples travels to always-tough Darien for a 2 p.m. contest.

Eight minutes in

The turning point Thursday came in the 8th minute. Josh Whitaker picked up a loose ball on the left side, inside the penalty area. He one-timed it with the outside of his right foot, into the far corner. An opportunistic strike like that can change a game — and this one did.

McMahon forced keeper Jack D’Amore into an excellent top-of-the-box breakaway save in the 14th minute. But after that, the game belonged to Staples.

In the 28th minute Ford Epstein opened up the field with a seeing-eye, crossfield pass to Whitaker. The wide-ranging attacker’s low, hard shot was saved. But Noah Rossoni was right there, to bang the rebound in. It was a repeat of the winning goal against the Rams — including the same initial shooter and scorer.

Two minutes later, it was 3-0. Just 10 seconds after being sent into the match by coach Liam Witham, Nico Reyna fired. Adrian Rodriguez — a sub at the same time — used his first touch to finish Reyna’s rebound.

A rare defensive lapse allowed the Norwalkers to slice the margin to 3-1, in the 34th minute.

Wreckers own second half

But the second half — with the substantial wind at their backs — belonged entirely to the Wreckers.

Four minutes after intermission, Lucas Alarcon-Frias’ lofting 35-yard free kick was finished by Ford Epstein. He outleaped his defender, heading gently but crisply home.

Epstein laced another shot shortly thereafter. D’Amore scooped up the few balls that snuck through. As in New Canaan, the blue-and-whites won most 50/50 balls, with intelligent positioning and a tenacious spirit.

Rodriguez was saved well on a breakaway. But he was not denied in the 62nd minute, showing poise on a long breakaway off an outlet by keeper D’Amore. Despite being bumped, Rodriguez kept possession, and finished with authority.

The junior had two good chances for a hat trick, one on a header and the other off a corner kick, but had to settle for a brace. Minutes later, Gabe Duque’s shot off a Rodriguez corner kick was saved.

Reserves, including Thomas Pretty, kept up the pressure throughout.

Staples will need patience again next week. And stamina. But so far: a solid start to the new season.