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| Windham High's varsity girls' soccer team celebrates after defeating Brunswick to win the Class A North state soccer \championship on Saturday, Nov. 6. The team includes Caitlyn Marsh, Liz Talbot, Liz Levesque, Mallory Muse, Kylie Garrison, Ashlee Sawyer, Kyla Harvie, Amelia Mortero, Stella Jarvais, Abbey Thornton, Hannah Lee, Tiana Salazar, Kayla Flanders, Ashley Clark, Emily Talbot, Reilly Russell, Sarah Talon, and Eliza Trafford. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
By Matt Pascarella
Windham High School’s varsity girls’ soccer team’s entire season had been building to this moment and the team was ready and had what it took, defeating Brunswick, 3-1, in the Class A girls’ soccer state championship game played at Massabesic High School on Saturday, Nov. 6.
In earning the title, Windham finished the season undefeated at 19-0 and only allowed nine goals all season. It was Windham’s third state girls’ soccer championship since 2013.
Windham put three in the net in the first half to take a commanding lead. Although Brunswick (15-2) scored roughly halfway through the second half, they were no match for Windham’s indestructible defense.
“We didn’t really have any expectations,” said Windham senior goalie Eliza Trafford. “We knew that if we stayed supportive and worked together as a team, we could accomplish anything.”
Trafford, who had seven saves during the state championship game, said she was nervous, but that was good because it showed how important the game was to her.
Windham began the game as they pressured hard; they were first to the ball and controlled the field. They took shots on Brunswick’s goal, but Dragon defense kept the Lady Eagles in check and scoreless early on.
Brunswick couldn’t hold back Windham for long. 23 minutes and 38 second into the game, Windham junior Abbey Thornton with an assist from senior Sarah Talon put Windham ahead.
Thornton said it felt good to win a state championship.
“Everything we’ve done this whole season it’s finally paid off. We can relax, we’ve done it,” said Thornton.
Thornton knew it was going to be a hard game. As a team, if they put their game face on, they could not be stopped. She said the state championship was a goal this year.
Talon was next to score assisted by freshman Emily Talbot 28:53 into the half.
“The moment you pick up a soccer ball you dream about an accomplishment that big. I wanted it so bad, for everyone, for the seniors, for everyone. It was just really exciting ... [to score],” said Talon.
Windham did not let up and continued to pressure. With 46 seconds left, Thornton scored her second goal. Windham led 3-0 at the half.
“This [championship win] was nice coming off a Covid year,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. This was her third state championship win at Windham High School and her sixth state championship win overall.
“These kids have worked pretty hard, I’m really proud of them,” Lebel said. “This group of seniors have been great leaders on the field and in the classroom. Great athletes, but academically they’re really strong.”
In the second half Windham was just as aggressive. They continued to play terrific defense.
Brunswick did find the back of the net once, but that was all the Lady Eagles allowed. As time was running out for Brunswick, Windham only strengthened their defense.
Brunswick had multiple corner kick scoring opportunities that Windham shut down. Less than three minutes remained in the half and Windham was able to maintain their lead until the final buzzer.
Talon said Windham was able to win through toughness, dedication to the game and positivity. She added they have really good team chemistry that they are really proud of and can put into success. She’d like to thank coaches and teammates for making it an unforgettable year; winning the state championship was a good sendoff for her as a senior.
“We kept just saying, ‘play your game; keep it on the ground, keep possession, go to the end line and feed it back in. Don’t kick and run,’” said Lebel.
Lebel saw a lot of unselfish play this year and added the team meshed very well and was inclusive. The upperclassmen took care of the freshmen. She felt positive team chemistry took Windham all the way. She added the team has a lot of speed up top, which is hard to defend, but that this is one of the most skilled teams she’s had in terms of footwork.
“It was incredible,” said Trafford. “We’ve all worked together as a team for many years and it’s just great as a last hoorah to experience something like this.” <
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