SACO — A strong first half propelled Thornton Academy to a 3-1 win over Sanford in a girls soccer showdown at Hill Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Trojans would have to come from behind to pick up their first win of the season.
The Spartans (2-2) scored the first goal of the game 20 minutes into the first half as Abby Toothaker scored off a cross from Olivia Bammel.
“It definitely could have been very easy for our team to put our heads down. Starting the season 0-3, that really would have been easy for us to do. We could have thrown in the towel, but I think our response really showed the character of our team,” said Thornton Academy head coach Natalie Sharland.
Four minutes after the Spartan’s goal, the Trojans (1-3) would go on a scoring spree.
Hannah Niles scored back-to-back goals to give the Trojans a 2-1 advantage. At the 16:40 mark, Niles scored unassisted after beating two defenders and shooting from the corner of the 18. Niles scored again with 13 minutes left in the first half after heading in a free kick from Alyanna Beaudoin.
At the 12:10 mark of the first half, Beaudoin would score another goal for the Trojans after beating a defender right outside the 18 and burying a low shot into the net creating the final score of 3-1.
“After only scoring one goal in our first three games, this was exciting to see. We have a lot of talent on our team and it was nice that we showed it,” said Sharland.
The two squads would battle throughout the second half with neither team finding the back of the net.
“Winning 50-50 balls was huge for us and really putting pressure on Sanford in their defensive half, to get a couple turnovers was key to our offense,” said Sharland.
It looked as though Sanford would score again in the second half. After Olivia Bammel kicked a breakaway ball from Abby Toothaker into the net but the goal was overturned on an offsides penalty.
“We never let up. The second half, we came out with some fire and I’d like to see that for the full game next time but at least I know it’s there,” said Sanford head coach Ellie Agreste. “They played a great game tonight and they definitely deserve the win. We have a lot of work to do and I look forward to seeing them again.”
Sanford’s goalie Linda Johnson made eight saves. Thornton’s goalie Grace Mears made eight saves in the win.
The Trojans will host South Portland on Friday night. The Spartans will host Noble on Saturday afternoon.
— 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.