Westbrook 3

Gorham 7

One team was tuning up for the playoffs and the other was playing their next-to-last game of their season. The Gorham High girls soccer team defeated Westbrook by a 7-3 score on Tuesday evening in a spirited contest between two rivals. The Rams improved to 12-0-1 on the year while the Blazes fell to 0-11-2.

Gorham opened the game with three straight scores before Westbrook’s Amanda Northrop pulled the Blazes within 3-1. But the defending state champion Rams were simply too strong for the Blazes and they outscored the hosts 4-2 the rest of the way.

Gorham was led by four goals from Rachele Burns and single goals from Kristi Zarrilli, Ashley Martin, and Molly Folan. Emily Wight and Lauren Blais scored Westbrook’s two additional goals.

Westbrook coach Vince Aceto was pleased with the play of his two goalies as they took on a formidable Gorham offense. “Freshman goalie Vanessa Bradbury and sophomore goalie Stephanie Wagner were absolutely outstanding for 80 minutes combining for 25 saves,” said Aceto. “To face that kind of pressure and play the way they did was a testament to their work ethic they display in practice and as the last line of defense during matches.”

Gorham can be an intimidating team to play against, but Westbrook went toe-to-toe with the Rams. “The girls could have easily looked at a team ranked seventh in the nation and put themselves in the wrong mindset,” said Aceto. “I was impressed by the character they showed and the heart and determination to be spoilers. We scored three goals on Gorham where no other team has done that all year.

“Not to take anything away from Gorham,” Aceto said as he praised the play of his opponent. “They come into every match thinking this could be the night that someone is trying to upset them and end their winning streak. They deserve a lot of credit and Coach Zarrilli has them playing at such a level – it is something to be admired and respected.”

Allie Aceto, Emily Wight, Amanda Northrop, Chelsea Preston, Jalissa Bryant, Heather Niehoff and Lauren Blais have led Westbrook in scoring this year. Natashia Langway, Megan Cutter, Patrice Plummer also have provided solid marking and leadership on and off the field.

“They come to play each night and do not get easily intimidated,” said Aceto about his squad. “They should be very proud of themselves. These girls have competed in every game all year.”

Gorham closes out its regular season at home against Thornton Academy on Friday night while the Blazes travel to Kennebunk on Friday evening and finish their season on the road.