Girls’ soccer advances with quarterfinal win over Thornton Academy

By Matt Pascarella

A thick fog surrounded the field and a very, very faint mist was coming down during the Class A South quarterfinal girls’ soccer playoff game at Windham High on Tuesday, Oct. 25 against Thornton Academy.  No. 3 Windham did not let the fact that No. 6 Thornton Academy jumped to a 1-0 lead early in the game diminish their hunger for a win as the Lady Eagles banded together and came back to tie the game, then passed the Trojans and won 6-2 after the final buzzer.

Windham senior Abbey Thornton takes a shot at the goal
during the first half of the Class A South quarterfinal 
girls' soccer playoff match on Tuesday, Oct. 25 against
Thornton Academy at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We came out flat,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “I think that one goal [which tied the game 1-1] gave us a little motivation. Once we started connecting with each other and that’s when we’ve said good things happen ... when we connect, it’s really hard to defend and I feel like that’s when we got things going.”

Windham varsity girls’ soccer assistant coach Jim Stewart said they played with an incredible confidence. When those connections are made, then it goes together like mad, Windham had three goals in just a few minutes during the first half.

Both Lebel and Stewart said there are many players contributing, not just the ones who scored goals. Players like sophomore Stella Jarvais, freshman Nola Bryant and senior Liz Levesque – just to name a few. This team is in a great place, wants to play and have made large improvements since the start of the season.

Halfway through the first half, Windham senior Liz Talbot tied the game 1-1 assisted by Levesque. After that, Windham showed they would not be caught this game.

Not 10 minutes later, senior Abbey Thornton scored assisted by senior Ashley Clark. Talbot scored again. Windham continued to pressure and at the half, led 3-1.

“I was really pumped for the first playoff game,” said Talbot. “I think we started kind of slow, but ... [the first goal] motivated us to push forward, because we all really wanted it. Our energy levels did go up a lot and we did good playing off in the back and moving it forward, we got a lot of good crosses and one-two passes in.”

Windham continued to pressure in the second half and Lady Eagle defense kept Thornton Academy’s goals to a minimum. Windham senior goalie Reilly Russell had a total of eight saves. Abbey Thornton would score twice in the second half, once assisted by sophomore Kyla Harvie and once assisted by Talbot. Harvie fired a shot at net and when Thornton Academy defense tried to stop it, they knocked it into their own goal.

Thornton Academy did score with about a minute left in the game, but it was too late for them; by then Windham had made it impossible for the Trojans to catch up.

“It was one of the last times we will play on this [home] field as seniors, so I just enjoyed this moment with my best friends and play soccer,” said Thornton.

Thornton said the team is resilient and did not get down after that first goal. Thornton plans to keep playing her hardest as Windham moves onto the semifinals.

Windham will play No. 2 Gorham in the Class A semifinal at Gorham High School on Friday, Oct. 28.

Lebel said they are much better than the first time they played the Rams; they’ve made a few adjustments and they are going to see that come out. <

WMS Field Hockey team experiences memorable season

By Carrie Colby
Special to The Windham Eagle

I was excited to see 14 fresh faces when we started our Windham Middle School field hockey season this September. This was my second season coaching at this level and I knew our journey would be an exciting one.

Members of the 2022 Windham Middle School Field Hockey
Team included, front left to right, Anica Messer, Maria
Rossetti, Mirabelle Kri, Ella Klimko, Peyton Archibald,
Lucy Stretch, Chloe Inzerillo, Hayley Johnsen, Olivia
Byther, and Lexie Beach. Back left to right are Brenna
Small, Natalie Hayes, Evelyn Robinson and Ella Pasquini.
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The previous year we only had a team of 10 girls. With the limited schedule of just practicing and no actual games in 2020 due to COVID protocols, a lot of the players had lost interest in middle school field hockey. So, 2021 was much more exciting for the team. We had a winning season despite a low number of players and as a smaller team, the girls really got a lot of playing time.

I believe that this is how the team’s numbers increased this year. The program is run by the JV and Varsity coaches and players on Saturdays for younger players and it contributed to more players as well.

I was especially pleased that five players from the previous year returned to play again this year. Three of the eighth-grade middle school players from last year went on to play at the JV and varsity level.

We were fortunate to have Jodi Carroll help us with the team this year. She has many years of field hockey experience and was a great asset bringing her enthusiasm and love of the game.

“One of the most wonderful things about our team this year was observing their success in skill development and seeing the confidence that brought to not only the player but to the team overall as a side effect leading them to many victories on and off the field,” Carroll said.

Another way the players learned about the game and positioning was watching the Windham High varsity team play on several occasions. We were able to see how the game is played from a different perspective and discuss different plays and calls by the referees.

The team topped the season off by joining the Windham JV and varsity teams to watch some World Cup matches. We followed it up with a pizza party with lots of laughs by the whole team.

”This season has been great,” said WMS seventh-grader Lexie Beach. “We worked together as a team and got better and better each time, it was a great year.”

JSMS six grader Anica Messer agreed.

“This year’s field hockey team was fun and a rewarding experience,” Messer said. “It was great to be outside playing against other schools. We made a lot of progress throughout the season. I really appreciated the skills our coaches taught us.”

The coaching team welcomes any players new or experienced to join the team in the future to expand their skills as an athlete in general or to try something new for next season.

The Windham Middle School Field Hockey Program welcomes all sixth, seventh and eighth graders in RSU 14. If anyone would like more information about playing next year send an email to me at cmcolby1777@gmail.com <

Windham volleyball gives maximum effort in preliminary playoff match

By Matt Pascarella

The No. 12 Windham Lady Eagles volleyball squad met No. 5 Sanford in a preliminary playoff round match on Thursday, Oct. 20 at Sanford High School and although Sanford won 3-0, Windham put up a very good fight and did not make it easy for the Spartans.

Windham High junior Lilly McLean leaps to return the ball
over the net at Sanford High School during a preliminary
Class A volleyball playoff match against Sanford on
Thursday, Oct. 20. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Windham’s scores have improved steadily since earlier in the month when they played Sanford during the regular season schedule.

“We’ve come a really long way,” said Windham senior and captain Odessa Files, who had 10 digs and four kills. “I think it was a really good game; I’m sad we lost, but it was a good loss – I’m happy with how it went. We played competitively and it was just good volleyball. We were talking a lot better; we had more attacks, and our serves were pretty good.”

In set one, Sanford took a small lead, but Windham was not far behind. Windham had come back from a seven-point deficit to trail Sanford 18-16. After Windham senior Scarlette Sawyer hit the ball, Windham is one point away from the lead. It remained close up until the end when Sanford took the set 25-21.

“I feel like that was our best game all season,” said Sawyer, who scored seven points, had four kills and three aces. “We all went into it having a positive mindset ... we stayed motivated the whole game and I thought it was a good way to end the season. Our communication was better than it's been all year.”

Set two brought more intensity from Windham as they put themselves on the scoreboard immediately. Sanford jumped to a five-point lead, but Windham fought back and closed that points gap. Windham kept in close proximity to Sanford. The Spartans pulled away and won this set 25-18.

Windham’s high energy kept them going early on in set three. The game was tied. With Windham junior Lilly McLean serving, Windham volleyed well and took the lead for the first time in the match. Sanford tied the game at seven. Then, Windham tied the game at 13; Windham took back the lead. Sanford gradually increased their points. Sanford won set three 25-17.

Whether it was a win or a loss, for Windham senior Bella Lorenzatti it was an honor to play in the playoffs. During the match, Lorenzatti had 18 assists and three aces.

She said the team worked really hard on finding mismatches between the teams and how Windham could use that to their advantage. She is thankful for being on the team and will carry those memories going forward.

“We played much better than when we saw them earlier in the season,” said Windham volleyball coach Chuck Fleck. “If a loss could be good, it was a good loss – we fought. Serving was well executed and [Windham] were able to dig a lot of hits, probably the most we’ve gotten in a match; and quite a few blocks and block touches, that’s something we haven’t been able to get to. There was a lot more communication, a lot more chemistry on the court. We knew what [Sanford] were kind of going to do so we could counteract it to a certain extent; I’m proud of all of them.” <

Golf more than a game, it's a passion for Windham graduate Drew Mathieu

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School alumnus Drew Mathieu recently finished his second year on the golf team at St. Joseph’s College and his hard work and commitment have begun to pay off early during his collegiate athletic career.

Windham High graduate Drew Mathieu, now a sophomore
at St. Joseph's College, observes his ball placement before
putting at the Great Northeast Athletic Conference 
Championship on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Biddeford-Saco
Country Club in Saco.
PHOTO BY DAVID BATES PHOTOGRAPHY  

In his freshman year on the St. Joseph’s College team, he was the first golfer in St. Joseph’s College history to win the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Player of the Year and the second to win GNAC Rookie of the Year. As a sophomore he won GNAC Player of the Year again.

Mathieu also helped the Monks win the 2022 Southern Maine Cup for the first time since 2015.

“Drew is a leader and a competitor,” said St. Joseph’s College golf coach Jason Riley. “He leads by example - always shows up on time ready to work and is proof that with hard work you can achieve anything. He pushes himself and his teammates to improve every single day. He is hungry to succeed both on the course and in the classroom.”

Currently a double major in both finance and accounting, Mathieu is on an accelerated program to finish his undergraduate coursework by the end of his junior year. He will complete a graduate program in accounting during his senior year and will graduate with both a bachelor’s in finance and accounting and a master’s in accounting.

He is interested in working for a financial accounting firm with hopes to one day potentially become a chief financial officer.

In middle school, Mathieu was a cross-country runner. However, in the summer between eighth grade and the start of his freshman year of high school, he fractured his ankle.

Although unable to train for the high school cross-country team, he still wanted to play a sport come fall of his freshman year. With his ankle in a cast and using a chair for support, Mathieu took up golf, brought some golf clubs into his back yard and practiced hitting balls.

“This initial time when I began to play golf took off into a passion and a love for the sport,” said Mathieu.

He went from barely being able to hit the ball 150 yards with a driver to being a very solid player in his final two years of high school.

Mathieu says his accomplishments in his freshman year on the St. Joseph’s College team are a result of his dedication. He had confidence in himself which ultimately, allowed him to end his freshman year with great success.

Winning awards like GNAC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year are nice validation for him towards the hard work he’s put into the sport but are also a building block to understand where he can take his game next.

“Each day you wake up is an opportunity to improve whether it be as a person or as a player,” said Mathieu.

He’s already accomplished a lot in his collegiate athletic career, and Mathieu knows there is always room to improve. He would like to lead his team to two more GNAC Championships, and to also garner medals in both those championships. He would also like to place at Nationals in spring 2023.

“Drew always brings his best to practice and always keeps everyone positive and energetic,” said teammate and St. Joseph’s College sophomore Alex Beecher. “Drew is a very competitive person so it's always fun to practice with him; he helps push you to play better. The team can rely on him because he consistently posts good scores. He brings a lot of life to the team and ... a good attitude to any occasion.”

According to Mathieu, his biggest piece of advice to an aspiring high school golfer is to overcome the mental challenges the game brings. It’s easy to get frustrated and give up on a round, but if you want to play at the college level, one shot can be the difference between a win and a second-place finish.

Windham High School’s golf program allowed Mathieu to elevate his game to where he could compete collegiately. He would like to thank Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo and Windham junior varsity golf coach Brody Artes for their continued efforts in the program. Mathieu would also like to thank head golf pro Nick Glicos at Martindale Country Club in Auburn for the years he helped improve his game. Mathieu would like to thank his dad, mom, little brother, and whole family for their continued support over the years.

When Mathieu is not on the green, he likes to ski, hike and spend time outdoors. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends. As he continues to add to his collegiate success, he will always be rooting for all Windham athletics. <

Windham High School volleyball fundraiser brings community together

By Matt Pascarella

It was a day of fun and community. Students, alumni and members from Windham and surrounding communities came out for a day of volleyball and for the first time in four years, the Windham High School volleyball program held a fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Windham High School, with all money raised going to WHS volleyball program.

The adult/college-age team Big Dig Energy of Windham
alumni Megan Fleck, left, and Cassie Fleck, Chad Mason of
Gorham, Camden and Chloe Marble of South Portland and
Lucas Pongratz of Raymond, display their prizes after
coming in first during Windham High School's volleyball
fundraiser at Windham High School on Oct. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

The day began with seven teams and ended with one champion. In the morning the teams played two sets to 25; then were reseeded and, in the afternoon, played a single elimination tournament with sets to 15. It was Big Dig Energy who took home the gold, or in this case a $10 gift card to Dunkin. Big Dig Energy beat One-Hit Wonders 2-0 in the finals.

While the day featured a lot of competition, it was in a low pressure setting that was focused more on fun, playing the game of volleyball and spending time with friends and neighbors.

“The turnout was really great,” said Windham resident and Windham High School alumna Cassie Fleck, who enjoyed competing in the tournament. “Seeing the community come together; I know the parent’s teams had a lot of fun; it was really good to see the parents being a volleyball family.”

Gorham resident and Big Dig Energy team member Chad Mason said he’d never really played volleyball before, and the day was a great way to gain exposure; it was good.

“Volleyball is a very important sport to me. Today, I wanted to play, but I wanted to be with my friends,” said Windham sophomore Ethan Nguyen, who played on the team Volleyball Killers. “It was mostly a community ball thing; this is definitely something I would do again.”

Windham freshman Sydney Harmon, whose team were the Freshies, made up entirely of freshman said the day was a good way to help the community and raise money for the volleyball program at Windham High School.

Windham varsity volleyball coach Chuck Fleck said the goal was to have fun and play volleyball.

“Now that things are getting back to pre-COVID situations, I hope we will have more enthusiasm for the sport,” said Chuck Fleck.

Coach Fleck who has been running the Windham Middle School volleyball program for 12 years and has been coaching volleyball at Windham High School for three seasons said they need more volunteers for each program. He’d love to see a more formalized league at Windham Middle School. Coaches are needed at Windham High School as well.

“I hope that their experience with volleyball transfers over to real life situations and they can be better members of society because of it,” said Chuck Fleck. “Volleyball is very much a mental game, and it forces those that play to be able to concentrate for longer periods of time and develop skills that should help with adulting. Like other sports, volleyball gives a player a sense of being a part of a community. This year’s team is a tight knit one and I truly feel that they have each other’s back both on and off the court.”

If you are interested in getting involved, contact Chuck Fleck at WYVBA.Maine@yahoo.com or CoachChuck.WHS@gmail.com.<

Windham varsity golf shows improvement in state championships

By Matt Pascarella

In what was described as one of the nicest days the Class A Maine State Golf Championship has seen in 15 years, Windham High School had two individuals who qualified at the Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro on Friday, Oct. 7 and both were sophomores, Fiona Harmon and Addison Profenno.

Windham sophomore Fiona Harmon watches as her ball soars
through the air toward the tee at Natanis Golf Course in
Vassalboro on Friday, Oct. 7 during the Maine State
Golf Championships. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Harmon placed third in the competition and shot a 91 on an 18-hole par 72 and Profenno placed eighth and shot a 115.

There were eight girls total who competed in the individual section of the championship. Harmon saw a vast improvement in her game and Profenno was proud to have made it this far.

“My day was good,” said Harmon. “It was one of the most beautiful days I had ever played golf. On the range I was hitting the ball really well; it was fun playing with girls I know from other towns in Maine. I was putting pretty well for a majority of the round, while I was really taking my time reading the greens and lining up my putts.”

On Hole 13, a par three, Harmon hit the ball 8 feet from the flag and birdied – one under par.

"It was like a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Profenno. “Once I started playing though, nerves took over and I had a very frustrating match. I couldn't really focus on what was in front of me and instead thought about previous shots. I was happy when it was over and looking back it was a really great experience. Next year I hope that I am able to enjoy the whole day no matter how I play.”

Profenno was happy her chipping and putting was somewhat on point. She tried to find positives in tough situations and once she gave herself the mindset the worst that she could do was eighth place, she allowed herself to have fun and smile. Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo helped her change her mindset. She says she’s grateful for his support when she’s not playing at her peak.

“Fiona was able to shake off a tough first hole and did a fantastic job of keeping herself in contention right up to her final hole, said Manzo. “Addison had a tough day, but it was also her first experience at playing for a championship which is far different from just a regular season match. She is a competitive kid who I have no doubt will learn from this year and come back looking to redeem herself the next two seasons.”

As Manzo looked back on the season, he said they are still a younger group who really started playing well in the final week of the season. They improved their qualifying score by 16 shots.

Last year, they only sent one player to the state championship and this year they had two. He said Harmon showed she is capable of being a top tier female player in the state. Profenno is a hard worker and very coachable player, who Manzo believes will keep at it. <

Raymond Roadrunners soccer comeback effort falls short against Durham

By Matt Pascarella

The Raymond Roadrunners came back from a 3-1 deficit to force a 3-3 tie, but a late goal gave Durham the victory during a middle school soccer game on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond.

Raymond seventh-grader Niko Powers keeps his focus as he
takes the all to the goal during a coed middle school soccer 
game against Durham at Jordan-Small Middle School on
Tuesday, Oct. 11. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

The coed Roadrunners squad played this game a little different than the traditional two halves; instead, they played three periods. The teams were scoreless after one period and Raymond was up 1-0 after two periods of play.

In the third period, Durham jumped out to a 3-1 lead. Raymond was quick to tie it. Eventually Durham went ahead 4-3 with just a few minutes left.

“I think we played really well,” said Jordan-Small seventh-grader Sean Lebel, who scored two of Raymond’s three goals. “I think just playing in the midfield and being able to get a stop before it went on to [Durham’s] side [went well].”

Lebel said compared to the first time they played Durham earlier in the season, Raymond had a better offense and defense in this game.

The match began with very high energy from both sides. The first period was a match of two very strong offensives and even stronger defenses. For the first 30 minutes neither team was able to score.

In the second period, Raymond defense remained tight with excellent hustle which stopped Durham from possible scoring opportunities. On a Raymond corner kick, seventh-grader Sabri Igiraneza was there to knock the ball past the Durham goalie giving Raymond a 1-0 lead.

Raymond seventh-grader Brooklyn Roi said she thought the game went well. Durham is tough team, but Raymond scored several good goals. Roi said that Raymond played much better game against Durham this time than previously. Roi said passing and improved communication on the field really helped Raymond; they were also aggressive and communicated with lots of crosses and passes.

Durham made up for lost time when they tied the game from a corner kick early in the third period. Durham took a 2-1 lead after another goal.

Lebel then scored to close the gap. Raymond kept up the intensity and Lebel scored again a few moments later when he kicked the ball from the top of the penalty area and it flew right over the goalie’s head and tied the game at 3-3.

Raymond fought hard during the remaining time, but Durham was able to score again with less than three minutes left and held onto the lead as the clock ran out.

“Our defense is playing way better than they have been,” said Raymond Roadrunners soccer coach Scott Allen. “Some of our starters getting after it, hustling; we were down 3-1 and ... they weren’t afraid to come back. The season has been great – our only loss has been to Durham. It’s rough, but it was a close one. We’ll get them next time.” <

Windham sends Falmouth home scoreless in Homecoming football game

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity football handed Falmouth their second loss of the season on Friday, September 30 during Homecoming week at Windham High School, demolishing the Navigators,18-0.

Senior Alex Yeaton avoids a tackle as he charges forward in 
Windham High School's Homecoming game against
Falmouth on Friday, Sept. 30.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

The Eagles’ defense put the brakes on Falmouth’s offense all night and Windham has now reached the mid-point of the season.

Senior Haddon Boyle had 132 rushing yards and scored a touchdown during the game. To put that in perspective for the night, Windham’s total rushing yards during the game was 190.

“We wanted to battle this week; after a tough loss last week, we wanted this one real bad,” said Boyle. “We practiced hard to just win on special teams, offense and defense.”

In the second quarter, Eagles’ senior Jordan Bridge kicked a 32-yard field goal to extend Windham’s lead 11-0 at intermission.

Bridge said Windham played as a team against Falmouth with the team’s energy levels up and that’s how they won. He said that they started quick and got the ball movement needed to win; they knew they were going to have to fight throughout the entire game.

“I think there were multiple plays when ... our defensive line really did a great job to close the door and guys getting in lanes or breaking down and making tackles,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “We had some great special teams kicking a field goal, we had a great kick return. Offensively, we did everything we needed to. We felt like we could have thrown more in the second half, but we’re also in a situation where we’re controlling the game.”

In the third quarter, Windham junior Landon Buzulchuck connected on a TD pass to senior Alex Yeaton, putting another seven points on the scoreboard after a successful extra-point kick. In the game, Buzulchuck had 65 passing yards and Yeaton had 24 receiving yards.

Falmouth could not make any leeway early in the game. Boyle scored a TD and senior Max Arbour ran it in for a two-point conversion in the first quarter.

Windham defense was on full display in the fourth quarter as Falmouth tried to set foot in the end zone but could not reach it. With less than 3 minutes left, Windham regained possession and was able to run out the remaining clock.

Perkins said Windham overcame a lot of injuries and that the players are trying to figure out new positions, but a lot of progress is being made there. He says that a rhythm has developed for new guys in new positions and that’s important. For them, it’s stay healthy, practice hard and then on to Thornton Academy.

Windham (4-1) will travel to Saco to face the TA Golden Trojans (3-2) on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. <

Varsity soccer drops South Portland in OT as JV falls

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity boys’ soccer had an eventful night on Monday, Oct. 3 winning in overtime. It was senior night and Baxter Engelman, Owen Gaulrapp, Scott Ingalls, Tyler Johnsen, Connor Langstaff, Ben LaWind, Caydyn Smith and Owen Weatherby were presented with a small gift to thank them and their parents for their years of dedication to Windham sports.

Windham sophomore Luke Cunniffe moves the ball down
the field during Windham's varsity boys' soccer game 
against South Portland on Monday, Oct. 3 at Windham High.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

The game also benefited Coaches v. Cancer, a program uniting the American Cancer Society with coaches in the fight against cancer. The proceeds from the game went directly to fund research, provide free programs for those living with cancer, advocate for better screenings and treatment and provide education and information for those who seek it. This fundraiser was a way for the team to be a part of something bigger than themselves while supporting the community. Each player wore purple wrist bracelets in support.

On the pitch, Windham junior Nick Marion scored in the first half and again in overtime to keep their team momentum going as they look toward the playoffs earning a 2-1 win.

Windham’s junior varsity team battled hard but fell to South Portland 2-0.

Varsity

“We’ve had our eye on this [game] as the season progressed,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “This was an opportunity to play a team that was definitely in the upper echelon; this was a chance to prove we are for real. The kids have been super mindful of that, super attuned to that and I can’t be prouder of them.”

Both teams had very strong defenses and Windham had several instances where they rocketed the ball at South Portland’s goalie but couldn’t get by. Windham communicated in the first half and never let up.

There were 57 seconds left in the first half when Marion knocked the ball in the net to give Windham the lead midway through 1-0.

In the second half, Windham defense did a nice job of keeping South Portland away from the goal. Partway through the half, Red Riots tied the game, 1-1.

A minute and four seconds into overtime Windham sophomore Luke Cunniffe fired a shot that bounced off South Portland’s crossbar and toward the ground where Marion was there to knock it in.

“We have so much grit on this team; we fight until the last minute,” said Marion. “We really stepped up to do what we had to do tonight. Effort is what won us this game; we played for 85 minutes, and we left everything out there.”

Coach Neal said this was a first for Windham to be against a team in the upper echelon, have their opponent tie the game and have Windham come back and win in overtime; that’s huge – you want that to happen this time of year. They proved they are a good team who can battle with anybody.

Neal said great efforts all around Windham junior Connor LeClerc, Weatherby, sophomore Connor Gallant, junior Owen Dakin, Lawind, Langstaff, Cunniffe and Marion. Everyone played a role all the way down the roster.

Windham goalie and captain Owen Gaulrapp had one save off six shots. Gaulrapp stepped in with no experience to play goalie after sophomore Lukas Hammond suffered an injury. Coach Neal said Gaulrapp’s efforts have made a big difference and he couldn’t be prouder of him.

JV

South Portland pressured early, but Windham defense was there. Windham pressured back. Windham sophomore Carter Engelman had a solid shot that rocketed toward the goal but was just a little too far left.

Windham moved the ball and won balls. South Portland scored.

Engelman had another power kick at goal but was too far to one side.

“I think we were moving the ball decently, but just some of the basic passes and first touches weren’t there throughout the game,” said Engelman.

Windham defense held South Portland to a goal and the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

Although South Portland scored again in the second half, Eagle defense was strong. The Eagles had fewer offensive chances as the clock wound down. 

 

With seconds left, Windham freshman Tyree James had a last-ditch effort at goal that, unfortunately, was denied.

“We struggled a bit today,” said Windham JV boys’ soccer coach Mitchell Hodge. “We didn’t work together all that well. Defense worked well. I think if we could put together 70 minutes of playing the way we can play, we could beat them.”

Hodge said the adjustments in the second half in terms of work rate and focus were good. They weren’t able to produce and connect against a good team, but Windham didn’t quit. They need to figure out how to attack efficiently. The team mentally remained elevated with several good leaders like sophomore Levi Hayman. <