SACO — Saturday can’t come quickly enough to suit the Thornton Academy girls soccer team.
After all, there is a Maine State Championship for which to play.
Their first ever.
The Golden Trojans, seeded No. 2 in the Western Maine Class A tourney, settled that much, Wednesday, with a rousing 2-1 win over No. 4 Gorham, at Paul Hill Stadium.
The win ended Gorham’s four-year headlock on the Western region title, but more importantly, put the Trojans into Saturday’s state title game with Eastern Maine champs, Brunswick (site and time not determined by press time).
It will be the first kick at the Gold Ball in Thornton school history.
“I’m in shock,” said an exuberant Jackie Costello, a junior midfielder. “I knew we could do it, but I’m still in shock that we’re actually going.”
Senior co-captain Ellie Arsenault was even more to the point.
I want to play tomorrow,” said Arsenault, who set up the first Thornton goal, then scored the game-winner 12 minutes into the second half. “Everyone is on an adrenalin rush right now. We just want to keep it going.”
As well they should. Especially Arsenault, who has now banged home back to back game-winners in the most crucial of situations.
If Reggie Jackson was Mr. October, Arsenault has become Miss November.
She has pulled the Trojans on her small shoulders, and it hasn’t slowed her down one bit.
“Absolutely,” said Chris Kohl, the Trojans’ fourth year coach. “She is underestimated by a lot of people. It’s great to see her become the emotional leader of this team. She’s not afraid to take the big shot. She has no fear.”
Arsenault played a large part in setting up the game’s first goal, one that was polished off by teammate Danielle Daigle in the 32nd minute.
The ball that Arsenault lofted in off a corner kick that eluded a leaping Rams goalie Sarah Perkins, then caromed straight to Daigle, who blasted it into the net.
The momentum, and the lead, lasted until 49:04, when Gorham sophomore Audrey Adkinson cashed in a left wing cross to make it 1-1.
“When somebody ties it up like that,” said Costello, “we stay composed and realize that we have a bunch of time. We don’t start panicking, we don’t start freaking out. We keep playing like we’re playing.”
Then, just as she did in the Western semifinal win over Greely, Arsenault grabbed the lead back for Thornton with a goal that was set up largely by Costello’s stellar run down right wing.
Costello got the ball down to the end line, before giving it to Kaitlyn Hall, whose shot appeared to be headed for the outside of the net.
However, Perkins, in an attempt to stop it, actually kept the ball alive, and it bounded out to Arsenault, who cocked and fired from 25 yards out.
“She’s always there,” said Costello, “to help us finish.”
Said Arsenault, modestly, “I was just in the right place at the right time. Our offense worked their butts off to get the ball up the field.”
From that point, the defense, anchored by junior netminder Sydney Proctor kept Gorham at bay and kept Thornton’s title dreams alive.
“We’re just enjoying the ride,” said Lalezari. “Saturday is going to be a good day.”
— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.
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