Staples Notches 1-0 Win Over New Canaan

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

Staples came into New Canaan looking for redemption. After suffering their first loss the day before, Coach Driscoll was anxious to see how her young squad would respond.  The Lady Wreckers were matched against a well-coached 2-2 New Canaan team.

In the first half, Staples was able to put together some nice combinations from the midfield. Senior Gea Mitas, Junior Maggie Walsh and Freshman Lydia Shaw controlled the middle didn’t allow the Rams settle into their offense. In the 20th minute, Staples drew a foul on the New Canaan side and Junior Meg Root stepped up to take the kick. Root drove the ball to the far post and found Freshman Lydia Shaw, who headed into the goal.  

New Canaan was able to take control for a few minutes and got off a few shots on goal.  Junior Mary Benewitz had a superb night, as she scooped up all shots taken on her and aggressively came off her line several times clear any balls that got past the defense.  The Staples defense, anchored by Senior Meghan Lonergan and Root, were tough to penetrate the entire night. Both defenders clogged the middle and made New Canaan play long ball. Coach Driscoll’s two sophomore defenders Elizabeth Mitas and Kate Lesch worked hard in the back.  Lesch was impressive winning almost all of her 50/50 balls and starting many offensive attacks.  

Staples almost booked another goal, when Junior Lauren Garcia sent in a corner that found Senior Gea Mitas in front of the goal, but the New Canaan goalie made a diving stop on the header.  Staples again took a 1-0 lead into the half and were determined not to give up the lead again.

The second half is where the Lady Wreckers shined.  Staples won the possession battle and put together several passes to create a few scoring opportunities.  Staples almost added another goal, when Charlotte Rossi played a nice thru ball to a darting Shaw. Shaw beat the last defender and raced toward the goal, but her shot slid wide right.  Midfielders Mitas and Walsh then took over and thwarted any Ram’s attack up the middle.  

The Ram’s only hope was to play long balls, but Goalie Benewitz was there to terminate any threat.  The Lady Wreckers were able to control the ball the rest of the game and came away with the 1-0 win.  Staples will face Ridgefield on Friday at home at 4pm.  The Tigers have 4-1-1 record and are battling the Lady Wreckers for first place in the FCIAC Central Division.