Windham U9 girls’ soccer team a force to be reckoned with

Maria Rose

By Matt Pascarella

The U9 girls’ travel soccer team went undefeated this season with seventeen wins, and one tie. This included six league games, four friendly games and two tournaments; a Labor Day tournament and the Falmouth Fall Classic. The girls played games against teams from Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Kennebunk, South Portland and Gray. 

The season had a smooth start as a lot of the girls had played together on the same team the previous year. As the season progressed and the girls ‘enthusiasm and work ethic increased, they proved they were up to the challenge of competitively battling other teams.

Coach Jason Bowie recalls a particularly close game under the lights at Westbrook: the girls were down by two at halftime and they rallied, tying the game and then, with about a minute left scored the game winning goal.

Coach Ken Clark explains working together as a team can be a challenge. The team focused a lot on positioning. “We emphasized Wayne Gretzky methodology of being where the puck, or ball in this case, is going to be, not where it has been. The girls learned this more and more throughout the season and you could see it unfolding during games. The girls were dedicated to improving both their technical skills as well as their knowledge of the game.” 

The girls really gained a thorough understanding of positioning on the field and the role of offense and defense.

“This is special group of talented young soccer players that were an absolute joy to coach,” continues Clark. “The parents and coaches are extremely proud of the team for a memorable season.”

Coach and team mom, Wendy Wardwell, said, “They started and ended strong with no in between because they work amazing as a team and all have such great attitudes. They always displayed great sportsmanship.”

Congratulations on an outstanding season and we look forward to seeing you play and making Windham even prouder in the coming years.