BIDDEFORD — After falling behind 1-0 at halftime, the Sanford boy’s soccer team forced overtime and scored with 51 seconds remaining to beat Biddeford 2-1 at Waterhouse Field Thursday.

Biddeford took the 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the match when a throw-in sailed over the Sanford defense and into the possession of Cody Saucier, who then booted it in the bottom of the net.

It was a tight possession battle throughout the first half, with many close opportunities for each team, including a ball that hit the right post of the Biddeford net in the final minutes.

Sanford came out strong in the second half, immediately pressuring the Biddeford defenders.

“I don’t think it was the second half. They took advantage of the long throw and got it over the top to (Saucier) and that happens sometimes. The beginning of the game we need to be focused and going – I know we’re a very talented team, it’s just about managing to score,” said Sanford coach Tim Fecteau.

After another shot off the goal post and a shot that just missed an open net, Sanford finally tied the score at the 23:17 mark when Isaac Plante launched a shot far from the left into the goal.

“I was frustrated, I didn’t play well in the first half and didn’t start the second, I just wanted to tell coach that I wanted to be out there and show (him) I can score,” said Plante.

The Spartans continued to attack the net for the remainder of regulation, coming close in another handful of shots but not being able to connect.

As the minutes waned in the five-minute overtime, Cole Randt broke through and scored the game-winning goal.

Not only did Sanford come out more energized in the second, they also deployed a more aggressive formation as well.

“We changed our formation and it changed the whole dynamic of the game. We created offensive pressure, we watched out for the long ball and kick-and-runs, and they found a way to put it in the net,” said Fecteau.

Plante was happy that his team stayed calm despite the frustrating misses.

“It really was frustrating and I think that is what pushed us to want to score and want to get closer, then I got an opportunity and took it, so did Cole on the other end,” said Plante.

After a slow 0-2 start, Fecteau and Plante were excited to get their first win and avoid the draw.

“We needed the win. Biddeford is going to get a couple wins this year, they always seem to be good against us … it’s evenly matched, it’s a fun game, our goal was to just take chances when we could, play three back with one striker forward and it worked,” said Fecteau.

“It was very big. We started off the season 0-2 and didn’t want to go 0-3, we needed the win,” added Plante. “It’s going to push us through the next couple games and push us throughout the season.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282- 1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.