Staples Notches Victory Over Trumbull

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Staples Girls Soccer. 

Going into Tuesday night's game against Staples, the Trumbull girls soccer team had only one loss: that was to powerhouse St. Joseph.  Their 5-1-3 record included decisive victories against strong FCIAC contenders Westhill (7-3-0), Darien (7-2-1), and ties with Danbury (5-1-4) and Ludlowe (6-4-0).  So it is hard to imagine a dominant 2-0 performance by the Wrecker girls as bittersweet; but the Wreckers had a head to knee collision between junior goalkeeper Mary Bennewitz and senior captain Meghan Lonergan that brought perspective to it all.  Bennewitz had a bruise on her forehead that could rival a half-grapefruit.  Lonergan stayed immobile on the ground protecting her knee for 20 minutes or more.  

We are very pleased to report the diagnosis that neither injury is serious (both got medical treatment) and both hope to be back on the field in a week or so.  The camaraderie among the girls on both teams was heart-warming to witness -- one reason why we all love this game shined through.

To the game, Staples controlled the ball the majority of the time for most of the game. The early part of the game saw many link-ups between junior Maggie Walsh (back, healthy, and playing a terrific game), junior Lauren Garcia, and freshman Lydia Shaw working the attack down the right side and in.  One of these attacks bore fruit (our junior goal) as Garcia dribbled the ball in and shot her pass through the goal-keeper.  Walsh was waiting and easily netted the cross for a stunning 1-0 lead.  Trumbull countered with a number of attacks including some head-turning speed and great ball control.  But the defense centered around co-captains Megan Root and Meghan Lonergan, flanked by battling sophomores Kate Lesch and Elizabeth Mitas were up to the challenge.  

Most shots to Bennewitz were easily handled except one rocket from the edge of the box which Bennewitz tipped wide with a diving save that brought applause from all present.  Meanwhile, Trumbull coaches were yelling at their midfielders to control the ball.  They were losing the ball to many including junior Addy Fowle who had her best game of the season winning balls and making good passes.  Addy played monster minutes with senior co-captain Gea Mitas nursing a leg injury (for another week).

The second half started and some wondered if the Trumbull onslaught would start.  The Wreckers held their ground and were close to 50-50 in possession.  10 minutes into the half a through ball from Trumbull lead to the collision between Bennewitz and Lonergan.  Once the stretcher left, freshman Morgan McWhirter found herself (again) in central defense and junior Emily Snow took over the cage.  Both played admirably and surprisingly the field tipped the Wreckers way.  

This time it was the freshmen's turn to work some magic with Tia Zajec passing and dribbling and finally feeding Charlotte Rossi a ball about 6 yards from the crease.  Rossi knew what to do with it and the Wreckers could breathe a little easier with a 2-0 lead.  There were more chances with quality shots from both Garcia and Shaw.  The ball control and passing from the defense to the mid-field and the forwards seemed like it has grown substantially over the past two weeks as the Wreckers have faced some of the strongest teams in the FCIAC all in a row.

The battle to make FCIAC's is close.  The Wreckers are currently tied with three other teams for 7th place.  The games against Greenwich (Thursday), Darien, and Westhill will help decide who makes that prestigious play-off.  Good luck Wreckers and congrats on a great game.