Bulldogs Suffer First Loss

 

The Pingree team was dangerous early creating chances but Berwick held strong.  The Bulldogs had their first  chance to get on the board in the 12th minute when Chilli Dowd (Amesbury, MA) crossed the ball just over Charlotte Vatcher (Kennebunk, ME) at the back post.  Chili also broke through on a breakaway shortly thereafter, but was pulled down by a Pingree defender.  In the 17th minute Lily Pleau (Hampton Falls, NH) had a great solo effort beating multiple defenders and shooting but the Pingree keeper made the save. Pingree almost scored shortly after off a great freekick play, but Louise Roper (Kennebunkport, ME) made a great diving save.  In the 27th minute Pingree attacked down the right side, crossed it in and despite the fact that Roper had two saves the Highlanders put the rebound in just over the line for the 1-0 advantage.  In the 31st minute the Highlander’s almost doubled their lead off a header just wide.  Just 2 minutes before halftime Lily Pleau was taken down on the edge of the 18, but no call was made and the Bulldogs went into halftime down 1-0.

 

The Bulldogs were determined to get back in the game in the second half and were able to hold Pingree scoreless in the second half thanks to another solid defensive performance.  Louise Roper (Kennebunkport, ME) had 8 crucial saves in the game and the Berwick defense was strong the entire game.  Eliza Small (Portsmouth, NH) and Jessica Wojdak (West Newbury, MA) were solid as outside backs.  Charlotte Vatcher (Kennebunk, ME) was amazing at center back winning the majority of balls served into our defensive third.  Lindsay Bennett (Sanford, ME) did an amazing job managing Pingree’s most dangerous striker.  Lily Balfour (Exeter, NH) was amazing at center back and holding mid for the entire game.  Despite the strong defensive effort and many dangerous counters, the Bulldogs could not get an equalizer. The Bulldogs best chance to equalize came when Phoebe Clark (Hampton, NH) broke through on a breakaway off a great through pass from Sophia Whitney (Hampton, NH) but was dragged down by a Pingree defender who poked the ball away. Whitney had two or more amazing throw ins, but no one could get on the end of them.  Charlotte Vatcher had a great corner kick, but again no one could get on the end of it.