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SACO — The defense was air tight again and Scarborough got the only goal Tuesday when Cortney Hughes headed in a corner kick with six minutes remaining for a hard-fought 1-0 girls’ soccer victory against Thornton Academy.

Scarborough (14-0) completed an undefeated and unscored upon regular season in the Southern Maine Activities Association.

The Red Storm strengthened their No. 1 ranking heading into the Western Class A playoffs. Thornton (11-3), ranked second, had its chances but couldn’t find the net.

“We had our opportunities,” said Thornton Coach Chris Kohl. “It was a great game. It was the best passion-filled game we’ve played. We had a lot of energy. Scarborough is the team to beat. Fourteen shutouts – what can you say?”

Hughes directed the ball into the left corner of the net after Tori Armishaw’s corner.

The Red Storm needed a couple of more stops to preserve the win, including a diving save by goalie Jill Deering with 20 seconds left.

Deering tipped away a ball headed for the inside post.

“Jill just got her fingers on it,” said Scarborough Coach Mike Farley.

“It was a real playoff atmosphere. Thornton put all kinds of pressure on us. For the first 40 minutes we didn’t match their level of intensity. We needed a little bit of luck.”

Thornton’s shooters hit two crossbars and missed a wide- open goal in the second half when the ball slipped past Deering.

The first shot that hit the crossbar nearly bounced into the net.

Jamie Durie’s shot hit slightly under the crossbar. The ball bounced outside the goal line.

In the second half, Danielle Daigle’s shot from the right side hit the crossbar.

Moments later, Thornton had its best chance when the ball got by Deering after an initial shot. Kaitlyn Hall had an open goal but shot wide.

The Red Storm also had their opportunites before finally scoring.

Sarah Little and Haley Carignan nearly combined on a goal with 16 minutes remaining in the game.

Little’s shot from the left went to Carignan at the right post, but Thornton goalie Sydney Proctor stuffed her attempt.

A few minutes later, Carignan hit the crossbar.

The Golden Trojans continued to pepper the net, but Scarborough’s defense was able to step up.

Thornton finished with eight shots. Scarborough had six.

Even though the Red Storm finished the regular season with an unblemished record, the regional playoffs could be wide open.

“We’re going to have to be focused for 80 minutes in each game and pick up our scoring. If we play to our capabilities, I think we’ll go far,” said Farley.

“There are a lot of good teams in Class A,” said Kohl.

“I think it will be a great tournament. Whoever wins it is going to have to earn it.”

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at: tchard@pressherald.com