Staples Girls Soccer

Congratulations to the Lady Wreckers on their successful 2009 season. Click image to launch gallery of game photos.

Glastonbury, CT.  The Staples Girls soccer team closed out their successful 2009 campaign today with a 2-0 loss to the undefeated Glastonbury Tomahawks in the second round of the Class LL State Tournament.  Both sides played a possession oriented style in the first half, resulting in no corner kicks in the half and only two shots on goal, both by Glastonbury. While the top seeded Tomahawks had a slight advantage in possession prior to intermission, Staples matched their intensity and quality of play.  Glastonbury broke the scoreless tie on its first shot, which came from the top of the penalty area at the 25 minute mark. Just minutes later, Glastonbury had an opportunity to score its second goal of the game on a breakaway that was stopped by sophomore goalkeeper Jesse Ambrose.  Sophomore Shannon Lesch led Staples in the first half with solid midfield play, winning multiple 50/50 balls and making several overlapping runs.  Also, in the first half, Junior Shannon Moss controlled much of the play from her outside midfield position, and Kelly Bohling had another strong performance in the central defense.

Glastonbury’s depth was apparent in the second half, but the Wreckers defense was able to turn away multiple scoring opportunities.  Ambrose was stellar in the final 40 minutes saving several point blank opportunities and a particularly dangerous direct kick from about 20 yards. Glastonbury got its insurance goal at the 51 minute mark on a beautiful cross from the left side to a Tomahawk striker who beat Ambrose from 15 yards to the left corner of the goal.

Despite the two goal deficit, Staples fought to get on the board, with its best chance coming from an indirect free kick at the top of the penalty area at the 59 minute mark.  Jaclyn Katz tapped the ball to Senior Captain Julia Byrne who beat the Glastonbury goalkeeper with a shot that struck the crossbar.  Just moments later, Lesch picked up a loose ball in the box and got past the defense only to be met with a sliding save by the Glastonbury keeper to preserve the shutout.

Following the disappointment of a season ending loss, Head Coach Brian Scott spoke highly of the 2009 Lady Wreckers saying “This team had some big wins over quality opponents and played the toughest opponents in Connecticut very evenly.  Our five seniors were the heart and soul of the team, and I hope our underclassmen learned from their approach to the game. They were all good leaders and great teammates.  I wish each of Melanie, Kate, Julia, Kat and Ali much success in the rest of their senior year and next year.”

Staples Assistant Coach Chris Meinke said “it’s been a great season working with this group of girls.”

The Lady Wreckers will lose the five seniors to graduation but will welcome back a strong core of players for the 2010 campaign.

Staples finished the 2009 season with a 9 wins, 8 losses and 1 tie.

Jaclyn Katz, Kate Burke and Sally Rowland break through the Manchester defense.

Manchester, CT.  The Lady Wreckers easily defeated Manchester High School in the first round of the Class LL State Tournament.  Staples took advantage of a strong run by sophomore Abbey Lake in the opening seconds of the game. Lake dribbled down the left flank and beat a Manchester defender to the end line, finishing with a cross to Jaclyn Katz who scored from point blank range only 55 seconds into the match. The remainder of the first half was dominated by Staples.  Junior Nicole Rothschild nearly scored on a corner kick, and Sally Rowland had several strong shots in the opening half.  Possession, shots and corner kicks were all heavily in favor of the Wreckers, but the Indians withstood the pressure and forced Staples to the intermission with only a 1-0 advantage. Sophomore goalkeeper Jesse Ambrose, who was not seriously tested on the afternoon, continued to show moxie leaving the penalty area on several occasions to clear balls played into the Wreckers defensive third of the field by Manchester.

Kate Burke lent punch to the offense from her outside midfield position, regularly getting forward and making runs that took advantage of the width of the field and avoiding the center of the field which showed the wear and tear of hosting Manchester’s (American) football games in addition to boys and girls soccer games.  Nicole Brill returned to the lineup with a strong performance after missing several games with a concussion.

Looking to expand their halftime lead, Staples pressured Manchester repeatedly after the break, including an Abbey Lake breakaway that was spectacularly saved by the Manchester keeper early in the second half.  After multiple chances for Staples, Katz broke through a second time at about the 50 minute mark, taking a pass from Nicole Brill and cutting back to create room for her shot.  Katz’s blast from 20 yards beat the Manchester keeper giving Staples a 2-0 advantage.

With 15 minutes to play, Julia Byrne took a pass in the midfield from Lake and cut to the center of the field.  Byrne struck a left footed shot from 25 yards that beat the Manchester keeper for the Lady Wreckers’ third and final goal of the afternoon.

Staples will travel to Glastonbury High School to take on the top seeded and undefeated Glastonbury Tomahawks (15-0-1) on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.  Good Luck, and bring on the Wrecking Ball!

The Coaching Staff would like to congratulate the following players:

Jaclyn Katz on being selected to FCIAC 1st team. Kelly Bohling and Julia Byrne on being selected to FCIAC 2nd team and Katie Burke, Shannon Lesch, and Abbey Lake on being selected FCIAC honorable mention. This is a great honor for all of the girls and we are proud of each of them on their accomplishments.