KENNEBUNK — The Kennebunk High School boys soccer team picked up a 3-1 win over visiting Sanford on Thursday night.
It took three minutes for the Rams (3-0) to score their first goal of the night. Brett Clark recorded the opening goal for Kennebunk off a cross to make it 1-0.
Three minutes after their first goal, the Rams scored again as Ariel Calandri scored on a header thanks to an assist from Tyler Hurlburt.
“I think we did a lot of things right. I think we played with passion and energy. We were organized and our compete level was good,” said Kennebunk coach Greg Cavananaugh.
The Rams may take home the win but the Spartans (2-1) would not be shut out. Twenty minutes into the first half, Alex Kirven scored on a breakaway to cut the lead to 2-1.
The next goal would not come until there were just 13 minutes remaining. Tristan Wirth would secure Kennebunk’s win with a third goal.
“When Sanford took the game to us in pretty much the last 25 minutes of the first half. We responded very well in the second half and I was really excited about the way they responded more then anything” Cavananaugh said.
Sanford coach Tim Fecteau knew it was going to be a hard-fought game between the two rivals.
“I think it’s a game that we all expected. They came out and played hard. We knew they were going to play hard. We’re constant rivals and it’s a game where everyone knows everybody. They have been playing ball together since ninth grade  — even earlier than that so you know they want to beat eachother and that’s what it boils down to” said Fecteau.
Cavananaugh echoed that sentiment.
“If you’ve been around soccer in this area for a while, Kennebunk and Sanford have been on the same path as teams that are close to being in the conversation for legitimate strong teams. Tim Fecteau over there has done just an unbelievable job growing that program. For us to both come in and really be legitimate sides and compete against each other, was a lot of fun” said Cavananaugh.
Sanford goalie Garrett Gallant made eight saves. Kennebunk keeper Josh Erickson Harris made one save in the win.
Windham hosts Kennebunk on Saturday morning. Sanford plays at home on Saturday afternoon against Thorton Academy.
“It’s so early in the year, 3-0 is awesome but it would be foolish to look at that and think everything is solved” said Cavananaugh.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.