Windham girls’ soccer sails by York in preseason game

By Matt Pascarella

As Windham’s varsity girls’ soccer team continues preparing for the upcoming regular fall season, they hit the pitch in a preseason game against York at Windham High School on Saturday, Aug. 24. Windham scored early and kept up their intensity in shutting out York, 3-0.

Windham senior Stella Jarvais focuses on the goal after
breaking through two opponents during a preseason game
against York. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I think we did really good today,” said Windham senior Emily Talbot. “It’s probably ... one of the most hard-working teams. For our running in preseason, it’s been some of the best times – we all just really want to win; we’re working really hard to get there. I think we play really well together, especially this year we’ve done a good job moving the ball around and working hard for each other. There’s no separation within our team and it’s really good to see that. It shows on the field and pays off. As the season goes on, I think we’re going to just get better from here, we overall did a really good job today.”

Windham stayed with the ball and commanded the field; they got the ball by York. There were multiple shots on goal. After a short time, Talbot scored; she followed up and found the back of the net again before the end of the half. Windham held a 2-0 lead going into the second half.

“So many good things happening here,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “We’re just building from where we left off last year. I feel like we are a step forward – kids are making runs that maybe they wouldn’t a year ago; it’s becoming second nature to them. I think we have a couple freshmen who are pushing those upperclassmen – they can’t relax – because those freshmen have worked really hard and deserve to be here. I think with some incoming talent, some growth and maturity, this should be a great steppingstone for the year to come. Defensively, we need to sort out a few things in terms of quicker play, getting creative but quickly. If we can sort that out, I think we’re going to be really strong.”

The Lady Eagles’ intensity remained as Windham controlled the ball and had several shots at goal early in the second half. Their strong defense made it difficult for York to get many scoring opportunities. Partway through the second half, junior Myla Vercoe fired the ball past the goalie. Windham gave 100 percent right up until the final whistle.

“I think after a really hard week of tryouts and preseason and us all working really hard together and being able to come on the field and see where we’re at this year compared to last year,” said Vercoe. “We have good potential with us as a team and how we’re going to play; I think this was a good reflection of how we’re going to do this upcoming season. We all work really well with passing ... and our chemistry is getting better. We could always work on more communication ... and finishing. We’ve worked really good coming together and complement each other’s skills.” <