The last three games, the Lisbon High School girls soccer team out-scored its opponents, 12-3 in going 3-0.
On Monday, while the Greyhounds had their opportunities offensively, it was the defense that helped carry them to a 1-1 tie with Mountain Valley Conference foe Carrabec.
Lisbon (3-2-1) came out looking to put pressure on the Carrabec defense early. A near miss on a header by Lisbon’s Sophie DiGregorio and a nice save by Carrabec’s netminder Ashley Cates on a shot by Emma Houle kept the Greyhounds off the board.
Despite being out-shot early on, the Cobras (2-2-1) struck first midway through the first half when Makayla Vicneire picked up a loose ball and fired it high on Lisbon goalie Anna Willey, bouncing off her hands, over her head and into the net for a 1-0 lead.
The Lisbon offense continued its first-half pressure and nearly scored with under nine minutes to play when Carly Drischler’s direct kick was sent into the middle. But Cates stepped up and took away any chance of a Lisbon player getting a foot on it.
With under five minutes to play in the half, Drischler sent lofted a corner kick in front of the net, where teammate Destiney Deschaines headed the ball in for the equalizer.
“She actually got a ‘facer’ instead of a header. When she came to the bench after the goal, you could see the ball imprint on her face,” said Perron.
The home team out-shot the Cobras 11-7 in the first half, holding a 4-0 advantage in corners.
Second half pressure
Lisbon once again attacked early, marching down the field and putting a shot on net as Cates made another nice save on the blistering try.
“We needed to play our game, take control of the ball and not let their scorers get chances,” said Perron.
Carrabec played hard throughout the half behind strong play of Vicneire. They junior midfielder put a shot on goal after volleying the ball down the sidelines, weaving towards the net. As she slid through a pair of Lisbon defenders, Vicneire crossed a shot that Willey knocked away.
“This is her first year ever in net. She’s come a real long way so far,” said Perron. “She just needs to trust herself and get more confident that she can do the job.”
“I volunteered to do this after losing our goalie from last year,” said Willey. “I think I’ve gotten a lot better and I’m getting more and more confidence.”
Carrabec’s best scoring opportunity of the half came with 13 minutes left when the ball bounced in front of the net for what seemed like “forever” as the ball was kicked and ricochet off a number of legs before being cleared by Savannah Fisher and the rest of the Lisbon defense.
“She (Fisher) plays really good defense for us. She’s hungry going after the ball. She positions herself very well,” said Perron.
Carrabec once again put pressure on Willey as Lauren Chestnut tried to put a shot on goal. But the senior goalie came out and got the ball.
“Our defense is pretty strong. After we moved from a solid four back to a 1-2-1 set up and I think that helps us because we rotate,” said Willey.
Lisbon had trouble getting deep into the Carrabec zone on numerous occasions due to offsides calls.
“I think we counted up to nine or so. I’m not sure but it’s something we have to be better at. These girls have to learn how to get their timing down on when to go. They haven’t done that yet,” added Perron.
With the score still tied 1- 1, Lisbon tried its best to end the game in regulation in the final two minutes. Emma DiGregorio beat her defender and her left-foot shot went wide of the net. With 39 seconds remaining, Kiley Merritt got a shot off in front of the net that Cates handled. With the clock winding down, Giana Russo kicked a loose ball in front of the net with the goalie out of position, but the shot popped up and when over the net with 12 seconds remaining.
In the first five-minute overtime, Lisbon controlled the ball on its end for the first four minutes, firing two shots on net, but once again came up empty handed.
“Ashley is playing goalie for us today because our regular goalie is hurt. She was the only one with any type of experience she faced a tough offense today,” said Carrabec coach Heidi Vicneire.
Carrabec managed a shot on goal in the overtime, but Willey made the save to keep the game deadlocked.
The second overtime saw a lot of back and forth with no real threat of any goals. Lisbon was able to get a couple of shots off but nothing on net. Carrabec meanwhile failed to muster a shot in the final five minutes.
Lisbon out-shot the Cobras 18-15 and took the edge in corners, 7-3. Willey made eight saves in net while Cates stopped 12 shots.
Lisbon 1,
Carrabec 1 (2 OT)
At Lisbon
Carrabec — 1 0 0 0 — 1
Lisbon — 1 0 0 0 — 1
Goals — (C) Makayla Vicneire; (L)
Destiney Deschaines.
Assist — (L) Carly Drischler.
Shots — Lisbon 18, Carrabec 15.
Saves — (C) Ashley Cates 12, (L)
Anna Willey 8.
Corner kicks — Lisbon 7, Carrabec
3.
Records — Carrabec 2-2-1, Lisbon
3-2-1.
Up next for the Greyhounds —
Wednesday at Hall-Dale, 4 p.m.
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