GORHAM – The Gorham girls’ soccer team just keeps on winning. The squad moved to 9-0 after beating South Portland 5-1 on Tuesday in Gorham.

The Rams used a dominant second half to distance themselves from the Riots, who were able to stick around in the first half, trailing only 1-0 at the break. Gorham outshot South Portland 11-4 and had five corner kicks, a strong indication of the game’s momentum as the ball was close to the South Portland net near the entire game.

Gorham was led by senior Audrey Adkison and junior Erin Smith, each of whom had a goal and an assist. They paired up beautifully for Gorham’s second goal when Smith took a pass from freshman Kate Hopkins and dribbled down the center of the field, reaching the penalty box before sending a lead pass to where only Adkison could handle it.

Adkison did the rest, finding the back of the net from the right side at point blank range with 34 minutes to play in the second.

“That was sweet. Erin picks her head up and sees the field so well. Those two are just players who never quit,” said Gorham Coach Jeanne Zarrilli.

“They have an unmatched work ethic and are team players who are always looking to give the ball to the player who will do the right thing.”

With the score sitting at 2-0, the Rams had several chances over the next five minutes to put the game out of reach, but South Portland goalkeeper Akadia Higgins made a couple brilliant saves on a scrum in front of the net that had at least two Gorham players shooting from less than 5 yards.

Gorham’s relentless attack couldn’t be held down much longer, though. Adkison wreaked havoc up the sidelines and with 26 minutes to play in the second, centered the ball to sophomore Meghan Cushing.

Cushing gathered the ball and shielded it with her back to the net before pivoting and beating the keeper to make it 3-0.

Freshman Emily Lewis and senior Ally Lurvey rounded out the scoring for the Rams in the second half.

“I don’t think there’s anything we could have done better to stop them,” said South Portland Coach Andy Pappas. “Gorham’s a good team. They know how to score goals.”

 

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