The Staples boys soccer teams hopes of repeating as Class LL state champions ended Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Farmington at Memorial Stadium in Waterbury.
We played our hearts out, but it just wasnt to be, said an always upbeat head coach Dan Woog
The fifth-seeded Wreckers (20-2-1) came into the game with high hopes after winning 20 games in a row against two surprising defeats to open the season.
Farmington (15-2-3) had its own 14 game winning streak on the line, having defeated Central 2-1 in the semifinals.
Despite being on the defensive for most of the first half, the Indians scored first at the 10:54 mark when Adrian Kukula drilled a pass from Kevin Michalak to put Farmington up 1-0.
Staples kept pressuring the Indians defense in the second half, and at 18:25 Cort Lake scored the equalizer when a free kick from Jake Krosse bounced around the goal and off Lakes foot for the goal.
To its credit, Farmington ratcheted up the pressure and kept pushing the ball into the Wreckers end. After a questionable foul call just outside the box, senior Michalak struck an almost perfect free kick into the upper left corner of the goal for the winning tally. Michalak was named game MVP.
A jubilant Farmington crowd stormed the field and celebrated their teams ninth state championship. Staples fans left saddened but proud of their Wreckers.
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