Windham High School soccer team is ready to play by Matt Pascarella

Jamie Louko

he fall soccer season is only a few days away. The boys’ JV and varsity soccer teams played back-to-back practice games on Thursday, August 23 at Windham against Edward Little.

JV

The team started out well, hitting the field with strong communication and solid movement of the ball. Almost immediately, Hunter Vail scored, giving Windham a 1-0 lead.

Windham’s teamwork made for some excellent offense and defense. The team had solid hustle, giving 100% throughout the game. Windham players were getting to the ball faster, taking multiple shots on Edward Little’s goal and blocked several scoring opportunities for Edward Little.

Half: 1-0, Windham.

Micah Andujar

Windham played the second half just as hard as the first. Windham’s offense and defense continued to show they came to win. Sam Glicos scored, making it 2-0, Windham.

Windham had upped its intensity, moving the ball up and down the field and around Edward Little players to gain shots on their opponent’s goal. Before the final whistle was blown, Jamie Louko scored to make the final score 3-0, Windham

“The simple adjustments I asked them to do made a difference in today’s game,” said coach Mitchell Hodge. “This [win] will only encourage them to keep up this style of play, which is possession-based soccer.”

VARSITY

There was hustle right out of the gate when varsity took the field. They, too, were beating Edward Little to gain possessions of the ball. The Eagle’s teamwork and communication made for multiple shots on goal. They were pressuring hard.

Micah Andujar scored twice in the first half. Windham had excellent offense and their defense blocked several of their opponent’s scoring opportunities. Edward Little was able to get one by Windham’s goalie before halftime.

Half: 2-1, Windham.

Intensity did not slow down, even for a minute in the second half. Windham’s fancy footwork had them in control and the Eagle’s defense kept Edward Little away from their goal. Windham continued taking shots on Edward Little’s goal. Before the end of the second half, Edward Little got one in the net, but not until Anthony Sawyer scored for Windham.

Final: 3-2, Windham

“We’re really trying to work on team shape and playing as a group,” commented coach Wally LeBlanc. “I was pleased with the way they were passing the ball and combining with each other.”

The first regular season home game is Thursday, September 6 against Portland; JV at 4 p.m. and varsity at 6 p.m.