Moral victories don’t typically feel as great as the ones that appear in the win column.
That’s what made Poland’s win Saturday a little more special for the Knights.
Poland completed the season sweep of Wells with a 7-0 win. In addition to the shutout it was the greatest margin of victory in the Knights’ soccer history.
“Our defeat of Wells and Lake Region this year show that we are on a level with teams that are making it into the playoffs,” said Poland coach Kris Wright. “It’s a matter of not getting disorganized on defense and adding a little attacking sophistication that will see us competing for wins against some of the second tier teams.”
Logan Nichols had four goals and an assist for the Knights (3-10). Alex Corcoran scored a pair while Trevor Morin also scored. Jacob Littlefield had two assists while Dillon Douglas notched the shutout in goal.
“We only gave up five shots the whole game,” said Wright. “We were able to create attacking opportunities and scoring chances using four different strategic methods. Our control of the ball kept possession of the clock and the game, and our defensive efforts closed down all but two real scoring opportunities for Wells.”
The Knights have produced many great efforts this season but not many that turned into wins. Poland was 0-0 with Falmouth at the half, before losing 5-0. They were down 1-0 against York and Greely at the half, 4-0 and 6-0 losses respectively. Those were the largest defeats of the year. Poland’s other six losses were by two goals or less. That included a 4-2 loss to Yarmouth. The Knights were tied 2-2 at the half.
“For a team that has been on the losing end of very lopsided scores for so long, it has been a tremendous step in the right direction for us to keep games closer,” said Wright. “At the same time, the players look at how close they’ve come in many games and compound that with the lack of wins to feel like they are still too far way. What I like about them, more than anything else, is that they continue to play.”
Wright says one of the biggest difference this season is that the Knights are just playing hard and determined soccer. They’re being competitive and making teams earn it. That’s a significant step in the right direction.
“The powerhouse programs are not having their way with us and scoring at will,” said Wright. “We are making Falmouth, York, Greely, Cape Elizabeth, Yarmouth, Fryeburg, Sacopee Valley and Gray-New Gloucester play hard, skilled soccer in order to beat us.”
MVC championships
The boys’ soccer title game in the MVC is set for Wednesday at 3:45. The unbeaten Saints from St. Dom’s will host Hall-Dale. The Bulldogs’ lone loss of the season came against the Saints, 1-0.
Troy Haefele converted a corner from Rob Pallozzi to produce the game-winner early in the second half on the Bulldogs turf earlier in the season.
St. Dom’s is currently ranked first in the Western C standing while Hall-Dale is third, behind Waynflete.
The girls’ game will be played at the same time and venue, featuring Dirigo and Madison.
Finishing Kick
Mt. Abram is playing itself into the postseason with a fantastic finish. The Roadrunners have won three straight and have a chance to keep that momentum rolling with a regular season finale against Winthrop.
The Roadrunners were coming off a 0-3-1 stretch in which it had been outscored 8-3 in four games. Then Mt. Abram blanked Monmouth 1-0 and edged Carrabec and Mountain Valley by 2-1 scores.
Mt. Abram was ranked eighth in the latest Western C standings and could be in the running for a home preliminary game.
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