Windham varsity girls’ soccer edges York in preseason game

Windham varsity soccer freshman Neve Ledbetter holds onto
the ball before passing it to a teammate during a preseason
game against York at Windham on Saturday, Aug. 20.  
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Before the official start of Windham High School’s fall sports season starts in early September, the girls’ varsity soccer team outscored York in a preseason home game 2-1 on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Windham freshman Neve Ledbetter scored part way through the first half. York answered and tied the game. Early in the second half, Windham senior Abbey Thornton scored what turned out to be the winning goal, assisted by Windham senior Liz Levesque. York was unable to score by the final whistle to tie the game.

“For the first game I think it was really good passing, like looking for open people,” said Ledbetter. “I think we used really good give-and-goes and looking for other people and communication.”

Windham had a strong start and Lady Eagles defense kept York from scoring for almost the entire first half. Windham had several shots at goal which included a shot that came close when it hit the top goal post.

After a pass from Thornton, Ledbetter capitalized on an opportunity and put the ball in the back of the net.

York answered and tied the game 1-1 at the half. 

In the second half, a nice pass from Levesque to Thornton and Thornton scored to put Windham ahead early in the second half.

With 20 minutes remaining, Windham’s defense held off York.

“I think we passed the ball well, but I feel like we have a big comeback that we have to build up from last year in our passing. Overall, I think we worked pretty hard,” said Levesque.

Windham girls’ varsity soccer coach Deb Lebel said the team chemistry with the seniors this year is really strong. Thornton controlled the midfield well, Levesque on the right midfield and Ashley Clark continue to work really well together.

Although this was a preseason win, the team has some work to do.

“We’re a work in progress; we’re still figuring out positions,” said Lebel. “We have a lot of different kids shining on different days which is great but making our job a little bit harder.”

Ledbetter said they need to get used to playing with each other a little more. She really loves playing on the team and is excited to see how the season unfolds.

Levesque said they need to know when to step up their positioning on defense and know where to be on the field.

“We need to sort out our defense and fill some spots,” said Lebel. “Once we solidify the team and bring everybody together as a group that will help us. We’ve got to learn to trust each other and get comfortable playing with a new group of kids.”

According to Lebel, if they keep working hard and keep progressing, they should be where they want to be by their first regular season game on Labor Day weekend. <