The past two years, the Staples girls’ soccer team has had their season end in heartbreaking fashion. But a loss to Ridgefield in last year’s state final has been overlooked, and this year is a new opportunity. 

The team has noticeably refreshed chemistry that has greatly impacted their game play. They currently hold a nine game winning streak and a top 10 placement in the state ranking. 

“It’s very different this year, as the chemistry is so much better,” captain Reese Sutter ’20 said. “We get along on and off the field, which makes playing that much easier because we are always in sync.” 

Staples girls’ soccer is undeniably a talented team. Four of this year’s returning varsity starters were placed on the ALL-FCIAC team. 

Head coach Barry Beattie is very optimistic about this season’s lineup. 

“This is the first time I’ve had it as a head coach here, having potentially seven, eight, nine starting seniors,” Beattie said in an interview with The Ruden Report. “I think we have the experience for all our seniors getting to the title game […] I think over the last two years this team has gained a lot of experience and is something they can take forward.”

Although the team is off to a similar start as other years, this year is different. This is the last chance for the team’s seniors to walk away with a title, and they plan on putting up a fight. 

“As a senior and knowing that this is my last season, I want to make every second count,” Alexa Frost ’20 said. “I don’t want to leave the season with any regrets. Especially after making state finals two years in a row and not winning. I think returning and senior players want to win playoffs now more than ever.”