SANFORD — In a hard-fought contest, the Sanford boys soccer team fell to Marshwood 2-1 on Thursday night at Alumni Stadium.
“Back-to-back games stink. It was good that we both had back-to-back games so at least it felt evenly matched. They’re a very good team. They played well in possession. They are very good in the air, it makes it tough because that’s where we struggle — we need to keep it on the ground,” said Sanford head coach Tim Fecteau.
Marshwood (6-4-2) opened the scoring early in the first half. At the 38:57 mark, the ball was placed in front of the net, a Spartan tried to kick the ball up field but it rolled into the net. The goal was credited to Jack Parker.
“It didn’t help that we scored for them. Who knows what would have happened if that hadn’t happened in the beginning? But it is what it is. You have to collect yourself and do better next time,” said Fecteau.  “Once you get scored on, it defeats you a little bit. It’s hard.”
At the 15:58 mark, the Spartans (5-6) answered the Hawks goal. Alex Kong attempted a shot, his kick hit the goal post and the ball bounced back in front of the goal. Justin Gould headed the ball into the net and produced a 1-1 score.
“We had talked about possession. They were lacking in the midfield a little bit so once we got the possession we ended up having numbers and then just going to the ball and being in the right place at the right time. Justin, a freshman this year, came in finished the ball.  He really stepped up,” said Fecteau. “We’ve had a lot of injuries. A lot of the teammates that were on the bench had to step up big tonight and it’s been a bonus for us. We have good solid teammates.”
The Hawks scored the game winner early in the second half. With 38:07 left in regulation, Mike LaSelva threw in a ball and Sam Fitzgerald headed it into the back of the net to create the final 2-1 score.
“It was a battle. It was a toss-up…It’s a builder. I hope I see them in the playoffs,” said Fecteau.
Sanford goalie Garrett Gallant had seven stops in the goal. Marshwood goalie Peter Tsamparlis had eight saves in the win.
Sanford will travel to Deering on Tuesday for their next game.
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.