WA Girls’ Soccer emerged victorious on Monday, Sept. 29 after a home game that broke their five-year-long losing streak against Acton-Boxborough (AB) with a thrilling 3-1 victory, bringing their season record to 6-1.
Within the first few minutes of the match, it was apparent that neither team was able to control the game. However, WA attempted to assert their dominance only five minutes in, with a quick goal by junior Lyla Griffin.
“We’ve been working on going out there and attacking in the first five minutes. In the last three games we’ve scored goals within the first two minutes, three minutes, and today it was five, so we’re really progressing there,” head coach Tracy Capone said. “When we do that we’re making a statement to the team, saying, ‘Hey, we’re here now, you got to deal with it and we’re ready to play.'”
Much of the next 20 minutes were filled with intense defense and offense from both WA and AB; multiple turnovers and saves from senior captain and goalie Olivia Cipriano only made AB fight back harder. Nevertheless, WA broke through AB’s defense with a tough-angled goal by senior Dava McClelland, increasing WA’s lead to 2-0.
“As a team we controlled the ball well and we worked well as a unit,” McClelland said. “[Our] defense was quick […] and they did well with connecting with the midfield.”
Strong offense from senior captain Eleni Stowell kept AB’s goalie on her toes, as she had multiple attempts at goal. However, AB fought back and refused to let WA score any more goals during the first half.
Although neither team scored again in the first 40 minutes, they fought for possession of the ball all across the field. After a few efforts at goal, the first half ended with WA maintaining their 2-0 lead.
“We were able to hold off AB because our defense was very connected and composed,” Stowell said. “We were doing a great job of covering for each other when one of us got beat, and […] we put our bodies on the line to kill multiple opportunities for AB. It was truly a team effort.”
The second half began with WA gaining possession and swiftly dribbling the ball down to AB’s goal. The ball quickly found Stowell and was launched at the net, but AB’s goalie was able to make a quick save. However, possession was soon turned over to AB as they passed up the field towards senior goalie Paige Markesich. But before the ball was able to meet Markesich’s gloves, junior Alexa Coward broke AB’s stride and passed the ball back towards the center field.
“I’m super proud of us for coming out strong and starting the game off right away with a goal, and then maintaining that same energy throughout the game,” Coward said.
Although WA’s defense was tight, about five minutes into the second half AB managed to maneuver the ball through, increasing the score to 2-1 with WA still in the lead.
After multiple saves from Markesich, AB took a timeout with 26 minutes left in the game. Coming back from the timeout, AB was fierce in their attempts on goal, but were no match for the Ghosts’ quick defense. After the ball traveled back and forth between teams on WA’s side of the field, the Ghosts were able to gain control. WA’s ball movement down the field towards AB’s goal allowed Stowell the opportunity to sink it into her opponent’s net, increasing WA’s lead to 3-1.
“AB is such a talented and strong team, but it was a total game changer that we were matching and exceeding their intensity,” Stowell said. “We connected well when we played on the ground [and] we were relentless until the end of the game.”
The remainder of the game was a constant struggle for the ball. AB was intense in their efforts to get back onto the board, but WA denied them every time. The Ghosts’ consistent efforts brought the game to a close with a triumphant 3-1 win against AB.
“This win shows how far we have come as a team. Each year we [have] gotten closer and closer to beating AB, giving us more determination to win and we successfully executed the goal together,” Griffin said.
WA Girls’ Soccer will play their next match against Chelmsford on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. at Chelmsford High School.
