Windham I girls’ soccer upsets Freeport in substantial victory

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s girls’ summer soccer team, known as Windham I, and made up of returning varsity players, played Freeport in a mid-season game at Windham High School on Monday, July 8. Windham was an incredibly cohesive unit and dominated the field to shut out Freeport, 6-0.

Windham junior Myla Vercoe looks to pass on Monday, 
July 8 during a summer soccer game against Freeport at
Windham High School. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I think that the team’s communication and how well we connected our passing tonight helped us a lot,” said Windham junior Marley Jarvais, who scored three of Windham’s six goals. “Every game this summer we’ve managed to do a very good job at those two things, and I think that’s what is helping us out with scoring a lot. The bond we all have with each other off the field as a team helps us so much when we step onto the field.”

The goal of the summer soccer season is to come together and play as a group, it helps identify leaders among the team and allows athletes to play a variety of positions before preseason starts. The team is able to bond and really get to know one another. It’s a laid-back atmosphere and while winning is nice, the goal is for athletes to improve themselves.

Despite the heat, Windham kept up their intensity for two halves. 55 seconds into the first half, Jarvais scored. A short time later, she launched a ball that found the back of the net.

Windham moved the ball well, communicated and had rock solid defense, which limited Freeport’s chances significantly. The Lady Eagles commanded the field with multiple shots on goal and led 2-0 at the half.

“Our chemistry is definitely getting a lot better, especially as a team,” said Windham junior Myla Vercoe, who scored in the second half. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which really helps on the field with who can do what and having trust in our team with who can finish and make those goals. I’ve benefited [from playing summer soccer] a lot from becoming more self-confident ... through obviously practice and getting a lot closer with the team it’s made me go out of my comfort zone and try new things and get new skills. I’m really excited for this upcoming season because we work so well together.”

According to Jarvais, playing summer soccer helps her get extra touches on the ball and try new stuff before fall begins. It also gives her the opportunity to see how her opponents may play before the regular season starts.

In the second half, Windham kept the pressure on Freeport. They had multiple shots on goal early on and remained a strong team. Jarvais and Vercoe both scored; freshman Emily Wardwell followed, and sophomore Isabella Vassoler knocked one in.

“We’re off to a great start,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “I feel like kid’s dedication ... they’re trying things in the summer that they’re afraid to do in the regular season. Here we’re like ‘make all the mistakes you want,’ and it’s really taken their game to another level. Tonight, we saw kids all over the place ... and that was fun to see. Our bench is going to be pretty strong this year. We’re looking forward to the fall. Our switching fields went really well tonight; we’re learning to not take those outside shots right at the goalie, we’re putting them more on the six to give our teammates the opportunity to score rather than kicking it right to the goalie. A lot of Windham players have played together for a while, so they are communicating really well.” <