By Andy Hutchison

FAIRFIELD — Sometimes ties are more than satisfactory for coaches.

In the case of the Staples’ girls soccer team’s 0-0 deadlock at non-conference foe Notre Dame Prep on Saturday, any outcome would have had a silver lining.

After all, the Wreckers are about to embark on a challenging stretch of games with more at stake as the Wreckers oppose a trio of difficult-to-play FCIAC rivals — Darien at home Monday at 4 p.m., Greenwich on the road Wednesday at 6:30 and at Wilton on Friday at 6.

“This is a great game to prepare us for all of those,” Staples Coach Barry Beattie said. “The energy was good for both teams and it was a really competitive game. I’m really happy with the performance — we showed heart. … I’m proud of the whole team.”

The Wreckers and Notre Dame Lancers have opposed each other every fall in recent years, creating an out-of-conference friendly rivalry.

The close outcome such as this one had a playoff feel early on in the campaign.

“It’s a game of that level for sure. That’s part of why we always keep it on the calendar,” Beattie said.

Staples had the better of the possession and chances in the opening half and the Lancers got to the 50-50 balls and created more opportunities throughout most of the second half.

Staples goalkeeper Evelyn Bory came up with some key saves and got plenty of help with blocks, clears and slide tackles from Addison Talbott and Emily Shiel.

Reece Dearborn came off the bench midway through the second half and played a pivotal role in the Wreckers fending off the Lancers from her defensive-minded midfield position.

“She did a good job shutting down their attack,” Beattie noted.

“I had to shake the nerves off because I wanted to make sure I had good touches. It’s very tense but the team had really good energy,” said Dearborn, adding that the bench provided plenty of support that assisted the players on the field. “I’m really impressed with my team”

The Wreckers hold an overall record of 2-1-2 heading into this big week of tough games.

Westport Journal’s recent girls soccer coverage

• Girls soccer team nets first two wins
• Wreckers tie McMahon 1-1
• Girls soccer opens against defending state champ

Andy Hutchison

^{_{Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories, since the 1990s. He is the sports editor at the Newtown Bee. He writes for the Monroe Sun. He was director of communications and radio color commentator for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (now Islanders) hockey team. He has won numerous writing awards, including regional and national first-place honors.}}