Boys soccer

Westbrook 0

Scarborough 1

One goal was all it took.

One goal sends the Scarborough boys soccer team back to the state championship game as the Red Storm claimed a 1-0 victory over Westbrook on Monday evening in the Western Maine Class A regional final. And that one score helped Scarborough achieve the one goal the team had this year – to defend the Class A state championship it won in 2005.

Against Westbrook on Monday night as the time ticked away, it began to look more like one goal was all that would be needed for a win. And Scarborough got that one pivotal goal when Buddy Reid knocked in a rebound in the 63rd minute.

“We had a good run up the field,” said Reid. “We were passing it up and we were still getting into a rhythm. I was fortunate enough to be there.”

Things certainly didn’t come easy in this one. The first half was back and forth for the first 20 minutes of play. Westbrook goalie Galen Perkins stood up to every shot he saw in the first half. He made several quick reaction saves to preserve the shutout, including a save on a direct kick inside the box.

At the other end of the field, Red Storm goalkeeper Adam Blanchard continued his excellent tournament play. Midway through the half, the Blue Blazes had several great scoring chances. And Blanchard stopped them all. He made a save on a quick shot right directly in front of him and then he made a diving save on a hard shot about one minute later. He also stopped a Westbrook breakaway toward the end of the half to keep the game scoreless.

Westbrook coach Tim Gillis points to his team’s preparation as to why they were so ready to play Scarborough.

“We practiced a couple of times on turf just to get ready for the pace,” he said. “It’s just an incredible pace. Of course they are a strong, deep team so we knew we would have to be in great shape.”

Play was more wide open after the break. In the early moments of the second half, the Blazes had a good scoring opportunity, but couldn’t capitalize on a header sent through the box.

“(Westbrook) is real dangerous,” said Red Storm coach Mark Diaz. “They were especially in the second half. They had two quality opportunities. We made some mistakes and they almost capitalized.”

In the 63rd minute, the Red Storm passed the ball up field. Cody Powers got the ball and sent it to Reid who was in front of the net. Reid’s first shot was blocked by Perkins, but Reid alertly pounced on the rebound and sent it over Perkins and into the net.

“(Reid) had great energy,” said Diaz. “We were talking about how at the end of the season he had lost a little bit of energy. He might have hit the wall a little bit being a freshman. We talked about recharging and each playoff game he’s gotten a little better. This was obviously his best one tonight.”

The goal had given the Storm a lift and also got the Scarborough fans more involved. Westbrook tried to mount a comeback but they were unable to score the equalizer.

“I think the crowd kept us going,” said Diaz. “Especially when we got a little tired like every team does. They keep us going.”

For Westbrook, the loss marks the end of a great run through the regional tournament. They were seeded fifth and began the tourney in the preliminary round. They defeated No. 12 Cheverus, No. 4 Kennebunk and then No. 2 Gorham to reach the West A final.

“I’m sad for the seniors,” said Gillis. “I’m sad because we don’t get to practice tomorrow and it’s too bad it has to end sometime. It’s nice to get this far but I really believe we had another one in us.”

The boys from Westbrook played hard all season and only lost three games during the regular season. They will be losing a lot of seniors next year, but they have a good group of juniors to carry the torch for them next year.

“Certainly things are looking up for Scarborough,” said Gillis. “But I’ll tell you, win lose or draw, I’d rather be working at this school for these kids. They make the job incredibly rewarding. When kids work so hard and they do what you ask time and time again, you want to see that reward at the end. Not this year, but sometime I think.”

The Red Storm still get to keep practicing and they still have something to play for. Their title defense continues Saturday at 1 p.m. at Windham High School when the Storm take on either Brunswick or Bangor. Coach Diaz says he doesn’t care which team they face.

“It doesn’t matter; we’re in the show that’s all I care about.”