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FALMOUTH — The Falmouth girls soccer team is beat up, but still rolling.
The Navigators suffered some key injuries this week but can lean on their depth, and did so Friday night in a 1-0 win over Westbrook.
Madison McGonagle, a sophomore, scored for Falmouth (5-0), which remains in the top spot in the Class A South Heal point standings.
“We put in a lot of work in the preseason and throughout the first five games. I’m glad to see it’s paying off,” said Falmouth defender and tri-captain Abigail Pausman.
Greta Krantz made 14 saves for Westbrook (3-1).
Three-year starter Margo Hesson and senior midfielder Ella Morse, a tri-captain, are among those injured. The Navigators were still able to play their strong passing and possession game that made it nearly impossible for Westbrook to create offense. Falmouth outshot the Blue Blazes 15-0.
“Some of our upperclassmen were able to step up there tonight and that was pretty great for them,” Morse said.
Added Falmouth coach Ben Johnson: “The other kids have picked up (the slack). We’re going to lean (on the underclassmen) after we graduate this big senior class we have. The injuries can hopefully go away, but we’ll rest up this weekend.”
How did they get there?
Dominating possesion. Thanks to quick passing and sound footwork, the Navigators kept the ball in Westbrook’s territory for much of the match, particularly in the second half.
“Our goal throughout the season is to keep the ball,” Pausman said. “We played Scarborough last week, and even then, we did great at just keeping it. Even though we won by one goal, it didn’t feel like it.”
Possession is a big (focus) when we’re in practice and I think it shows in games,” said senior defender and tri-captain Reese Harder. “We have talented players at all levels of the field. It’s fun to see what we can do.”
Falmouth backs also did an excellent job of keeping the ball away from Westbrook standout Ava Bolden, who never got the opportunity for a clean shot.
Key moment
McGonagle’s goal came with 1:52 left in the first half. Junior midfielder Annabel Ross made a nice cross near the left post of Westbrook’s net. McGonagle, a midfielder, was able to meet the ball and poke it past Krantz.
They said it
“We’ve always been a good passing team. Even if you look at the last couple of games, the shots on net haven’t really been there. That’s part of why our defense has done a great job, our goalkeeper has done a great job. We’ve allowed one goal so far this year and maybe five shots on goal in the last three games or so. We just need to figure out how to play out of the back a bit and get the ball forward.” — Ben Johnson, on Falmouth’s early-season strengths.
Statistical leaders
Falmouth: Madison McGonagle (1 goal), Annabel Ross (1 assist)
Westbrook: Greta Krantz (14 saves)
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