Boys’ varsity soccer teams took on Thornton Academy by Matt Pascarella

Windham came out strong and aggressive at the start of the game, ready for a win against Thornton.

The junior varsity boys had good communication and played excellent offense and defense. Their speed and agility resulted in a solid game with the goalie (#30), Cam Brown, having several good saves in the first half. Both teams were battling it out, though at the end of the half, the game was scoreless.

The Eagles came out determined to score in the second half. Windham continued their strong offense and defense, keeping Thornton at bay and really putting the pressure on them. In the final seconds of the game, quick hands by goalie (#01), Josh Lacombe, prevented Thornton from scoring. A well-played game for the Windham Eagles ended in a 0-0 tie.

“I think we were really excited for it to be the homecoming game,” stated Coach Ben Schulz. “Thornton Academy is always a good team; they play well, it was a tough game. I think we controlled play for the entire game, we just couldn’t put one in. That’s the game of soccer. It shows up as 0-0 whether you dominated play or not. The good news is we had a lot of fun and we keep improving each time we go out and play.”

It was Windham Youth Soccer Night, so as the varsity team players took the field, they were accompanied by a youth soccer player (age 2-14).

Windham took to the field with incredible intensity, advancing upon Thornton in the first minute of play. Windham started the game with strong offense and defense. Tyler Woolston (#2), scored in the first half. The Eagles had great communication and teamwork in the first half of this impressive game. At the end of the half, the score was tied 1-1.

At the start of the second half, Windham’s energy signified they were prepared to give Thornton a run for its money. And that they did. The Eagles kept up their intensity in the half. It was exciting as both teams fought to break the tie. Windham’s excellent teamwork did an impressive job of keeping Thornton from scoring in the half, which lead to regulation play ending in a 1-1 tie. We were headed to overtime. Windham did not slow their energy in overtime. Unfortunately, a controversial off-sides call ended the game with the final score Thornton 2, Windham 1.

“[The] official said he thought it was off-sides, I respect the official’s call. I respect my players more, said Coach Wally Leblanc. “They played a really, really amazing game. I’m hurting for them because they played so hard and the end result is a big disappointment for them.”

As I overheard afterwards, someone said, “it was a [heck] of a game, gentleman.” 

It certainly was. Well played Windham.