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. <