(Fryeburg) Fryeburg Academy scored twice in the second quarter and defeated Lake Region, 2-0, on Tuesday afternoon in Western Maine Athletic Conference action.
“It’s a local rivalry,” said FA coach Dede Frost afterwards. “I was sure that it would be a good game, and it was.”
Greta Hermanson gave the (4-1) Raiders the lead three minutes into the second quarter.
Greta was well set up by teammate Eliza Thorne. A pass across the front of the net gave the FA sophomore an open look which she cashed.
“We’re not marking up in the circle,” explained LR coach Pauline Webb post-game. “Players are getting wide open shots.”
Getting down a goal was a problem for the (1-3) Lakers because goal-scoring has been difficult so far for the team from Naples.
“We had some good shots today,” added Coach Webb.
Unfortunately, the Lakers fell further behind before halftime.
Junior Gabby Udoto took a centering pass from freshman Jocelyn Ray and drove it home from the left with only thirty-seven seconds left.
Being one goal down was a problem. Two down was a very difficult place for the Lakers to be and they never recovered.
FA’s Eliza Thorne came close several times in the second half. One shot came after a long run down the left sidelines.
Despite the loss, Coach Webb was pleased with her team’s effort. “We’re missing two starters (Kasey Johnson and Emma Aker) and have had freshmen filling in. They’re getting experience. We’ve had to change our formation to make up for the missing players.”
The FA defense did a good job of keeping the pressure off goalkeeper Rayna Wales.
The action was seldom deep in either end.
I was very impressed with Raiders’ seniors Grace Murley and Eliza Thorne.
“Those two are our captains,” said Coach Frost. “They are both quick and determined. They are little spitfires!”
Eliza was first-team all-conference in the WMC last year.
The Raiders have now scored ten goals in five games. Their only loss was 2-1 to York.
The game was a bit of surprise to me because the weather forecast said rain throughout the day. Looked like a postponement in the making but the rain never came. They did start the game early (3:45) which I like because it gave me more daylight to shoot pictures in.
Being at Fryeburg Academy recently, it is hard not to notice the beautiful turf football field that is going in. They also have a new scoreboard. It should soon be ready for use.
McClelland Miscellanea 