PORTLAND – The Sacopee Valley and Waynflete boys’ soccer teams haven’t given opponents many reasons to celebrate this season.

They have allowed only five goals combined and scored 61 — Sacopee with 32 goals scored and two against, and Waynflete with 29 and three.

The similarity between the two undefeated Western Maine Conference teams was evident Thursday in a 0-0 tie on a wet Fore River Field.

“Today was a chess match more than anything,” Sacopee Coach Mike Lane said. “Nobody wanted to make that mistake and nobody wanted to cause that foul, so tactically everybody played very conservatively.”

Early in the game, Sacopee (6-0-1) and Waynflete (4-0-2) took turns controlling tempo, with few chances. And for the most part it stayed that way.

The story wasn’t so much defense and missed opportunities, but athletic saves by both goalkeepers.

Five minutes into the second half, Mitchell Watson of Sacopee unleashed a hard shot from just outside the 18. Waynflete keeper Zander Majercik attempted to grab it out of the air and bobbled it, but then dove on the ball before Trey Watson of Sacopee could get a foot on it.

A little over a minute later, Sacopee keeper Mitchell Barton made a diving save and also bobbled it, but defender Jeffrey Taylor was there to boot it wide.

“The keepers made some outstanding saves on both ends,” said Lane. “(Majercik) was facing shots from our players left and right and made some great saves, and (Barton) did a tremendous job.”

With 15:45 remaining, Kenneth Bouchey of Sacopee took a shot that bounced off the crossbar.

With conditions so wet, both teams maintained good ball movement but it was still difficult to stay upright at times.

“It was tough out there today. The conditions weren’t the best, but the ball still moved fast and the fast pace kind of helped us because we’ve been training for it,” Watson said.

Sacopee Valley and Waynflete, who will meet again Wednesday, know what to expect in the rematch.

“This was a great high school game and it obviously could have gone either way,” said Waynflete Coach Brandon Salway. “It was a good indication of where we are, and we can use today as a springboard going forward against Sacopee next week.”

Barton made 13 saves on Waynflete’s 19 shots. Majercik made 14 saves on 20 shots by the Hawks.

 

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