By: Chris Andrews ’18 and Jacob Kogan ’18

The Staples girls’ soccer team won their 12th game of the season on Oct. 25, beating New Canaan 1-0. There was a lot of excitement in the air for senior day on Loeffler field and the fans filled the stands for a great game against a tough competitor.
“I think that today’s game proved that we have grit, that we are willing to work down to the very last second and give it our all until we get ourselves a result,” captain Sally McGee ’18 said. “That was not our prettiest game of soccer, but I think that everyone’s effort and determination in addition to our physicality and ability to get to the ball first and win it was what helped us be successful in the end.”
In the first half, Staples controlled the game with much of the possession held on New Canaan’s side of the pitch. Staples also outshot New Canaan 6-4 and goalie Anna Sivinski ’18 made three saves. Although only six shots were on target for Staples in the first half, the Wreckers had a myriad of chances early in the game.
The second half was similar to the first as Staples was dominant offensively. With about four minutes remaining, Julia Lombardo ’20 scored the Wrecker’s first and only goal of the game.
“Julia’s goal was amazing. At first I didn’t think it was going in, but then it started to drop in and the bench exploded,” Sivinski said. “I was so excited and so was everyone else. We were pushing so hard. It was freaking fantastic.”
With four minutes left in the game, Staples put five at the back and played great defense to hold on for a 1-0 victory. This was also their fifth straight win against New Canaan, according to CIAC.
This win was crucial for the Wreckers as it put them in first place in the FCIAC, with only one game left before the playoffs.
“This game helped us for the future because it showed how even when we don’t play to our full potential, we can still get the results we want,” Ashley Wright ’19 said.
The next game is away on Oct. 25 at 4:00pm as Staples takes on the second seeded St. Joe’s Cadets. The two teams will be playing for the top spot heading into the FCIAC playoffs.