Strong Second Half for the Bulldogs

The Berwick Bulldogs played on their home turf on Wednesday and beat Dana Hall 4-0 improving their record to 7-0-1 while the Dragons fell to 1-7-0 on the year .

 

In the fifth minute, Sophia Whitney (Hampton, NH) earned the Bulldogs a corner kick, Phoebe Clark (Hampton, NH) played a great ball to Chili Dowd (Amesbury, MA) inside the 18, who rifled the shot to the far post side netting for the 1-0 advantage.  Despite other chances the Bulldogs couldn't capitalize and went into the halftime break up just 1-0.

 

The Bulldogs came out strong in the second half determined to get another goal, but again it seemed like it just wasn't going to happen.  In the 55th minute Dana had their best chance to score and equalize on a great through ball that slipped away from keeper Cam Hamilton (South Berwick, ME).  Fortunately the Berwick defensive line and Cam Hamilton were there to block shots and hold onto the 1-0 advantage. Despite quality chances early on from the Bulldogs, it wasn't until the 65th minute that the Bulldogs got their second goal when Jessica Wojdak (West Newbury, MA) passed to Charlotte Vatcher (Kennebunk, ME) on the right flank; Charlotte then one-timed a cross to the back post for Grace Libby (Standish, ME) who increased the Bulldog lead with a great finish.   Up 2-0 the Bulldogs started to string more passes together and play the way they are capable of.  In the 68th minute Lily Balfour (Exeter, NH) passed to Sophia Whitney who beat a defender down the left side, took it down to the end line and shot it to the far post for the 3-0 advantage.  Finally, in the 75th minute, a free kick was earned on the left side when Phoebe Clark was fouled. Chili Dowd gave a great cross that was deflected by a Dana Hall defender into the back of the net for the final goal of the game.

 

Goalkeepers Louise Roper (Kennebunkport, ME) and Cam Hamilton held their own throughout this game, as they have all season.  Defenders Charlotte Vatcher, Eliza Small (Portsmouth, NH), Jessica Wojdak, Lindsay Bennett (Sandford, ME), and Lily Balfour stood strong against the Dana attack and have been critical in Berwick's strong defensive start to the season.  The Bulldogs earned their 8th shutout of the season. In the middle, Isabella Mazza (Madbury, NH)  continued to be a great ball winner in the center of midfield.  Kara Borkowski (Wells, ME) played some amazing passes from the holding midfield role.  Reese Murphy (Stratham, NH) was a spark of energy in the center of midfield, dangerous on the dribble and created impactful set-ups.  Phoebe Clark battled on both sides of the ball in multiple positions.  Leah Zaheer (West Newbury, MA), Ginger Friedman (North Hampton, NH), and Grace Libby were dangerous on the attack.  Overall it was a great team win for the Bulldogs that look forward to the remaining games in the season, and hope to hold on to their winning streak as they travel next week on 10/13 and 10/15 for to EIL matchups at Bancroft and Newton Country Day.

 

Statistical Summary

 

Shots on Goal Berwick 10 Dana Hall 3