U-12 Windham girls' soccer team reaches state finals

Windham sixth-graders Madison Buzulchuck, left, hugs Ashley
Anderson with Morgan Clark and Anna Bowie in the background
after the final horn in Windham's 3-0 win over Kennebunk in
the youth soccer playoffs on Oct. 24 in Cumberland. 
PHOTO BY BRANDI GOOD 

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Youth Soccer Association U12 girls’ team had a solid season and did very well in the playoffs. As they went into the postseason, they were 11^th seeded with a 2-4 record. Windham showed other towns just how tough they were and rose through the ranks to make it all the way to the state finals.

During the playoffs, Windham kept their opponents scoreless on the Lady Eagles’ road to the finals. Windham first defeated seventh seeded Cumberland, in Cumberland, 2-0 on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Next, Windham beat third seeded Kennebunk 3-0 on Sunday, Oct. 24 also played in Cumberland. During this game, Windham had great defense and goalkeeping.

Windham goalie and sixth grader Jennifer Schwarz had between eight and 10 good saves during the Kennebunk game. This win was revenge for Windham from a 3-1 loss to Kennebunk earlier in the season.

Windham took on second seeded Gorham on Sunday, Oct. 31 in Gorham. Windham sixth grader Emily Wardwell got a hat trick and scored all goals and Windham advanced to the state finals after an outstanding 3-0 win.

“I feel like we all learned a lot as the season went on,” said Windham sixth grader Madison Buzulchuck. “We knew we could make it to the finals as we were playing our best soccer going into the tournament and having a lot of fun doing it."

The state final game was against Scarborough at Hunter Road Fields in Freeport on Sunday, Nov. 7. Windham never gave up. After Scarborough scored in the first half, Windham played strong in the second half but couldn’t find a way to score. Windham played with a lot of heart and confidence, but came up short, 1-0.

Windham Youth Soccer Under-12 coach Ryan Buzulchuck said that he enjoyed getting to know the girls as this was his first year as their coach. The team worked hard all season and peaked at the right time as they entered the playoffs. As he watched Windham through the years, he always knew the talent and potential they had.

Buzulchuck said Windham played to the best of their ability; whenever they were on the field, they played with all the confidence in the world. He was excited to have been give the opportunity to coach alongside Jason Bowie.

Schwarz could not be happier with how the team played and fought during the finals. She said they were one, not 17 individuals.

“It was a lot of fun playing with my friends and it felt like the competition was harder this year, so we had to work harder and together to win,” said Windham sixth grader Ashyn Good. “Getting to state finals I was so happy for the team and felt proud to have contributed to that.” <