WESTPORT — Danbury coach Antony Howard brought just 16 players to Wakeman Field on Tuesday.

But what the Hatters lacked in numbers, they made up for with tenacity, crisp passing and their trademark tight defense.

In a match that began quietly, then opened up in the final 25 minutes, neither team found the net. The 0-0 draw gives Staples a 10-1-3 record, heading into the final two games of the regular season. Danbury’s fifth tie of the season makes them 5-3-5, with a solid shot at an FCIAC playoff berth.

In the first half — three days after a big win against Trumbull — the Wreckers lacked their usual take-it-to-’em mentality. The visitors were more dangerous in the final third. But Staples defenders Santi Alfageme, Cormac Mulvey, Zach Beebe and Jack Schwartz remained poised, and kept Danbury far from the goal.

The hosts’ first good chance of the day came two minutes after halftime. Lucas Carpi’s shot was handled well. Mulvey’s low shot was saved low; then Wrecker keeper Nick Sikorski made a key stop after a rare defensive lapse.

Sam Rossoni added a spark, winning balls, serving crosses, and slamming one shot off the crossbar. Staples came alive, with Avery Mueller seeing more of the ball. He slipped through once dangerously, but was stopped; later, he headed a corner kick just high.

The Hatters’ best chance came in the 58th minute, when an attacker rounded the defense. He slashed a ball through the box, but no one met it.

After five draws, Danbury is used to that result. For Staples, it was an unsatisfying finish, with just one week left in the season. 

The final two matches are on the road: at St. Joseph’s of Trumbull on Thursday and Westhill in Stamford next Tuesday. Both begin at 4 p.m. (Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest CIAC updates.)