BATH

One shot is sometimes all that is needed.

Lincoln Academy boys soccer captain Greg Anderson took that phrase to a whole new level in Thursday night’s Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference victory over the Morse High School Shipbuilders when he delivered a heart-stopping kick in double overtime to propel the Eagles to victory, 1-0.

The night was special to start, as the Morse boys and girls soccer teams hosted their annual “Coaches vs. Cancer” game in a doubleheader at McMann Field, raising funds and awareness to help knock out the deadly disease. The fundraising efforts kicked off at the start of the boys game, with a goal of $2,000.

Though Lincoln (5-3-1) came into the game as the favorite, standing at No. 3 in the Western Class B Heal Point Standings over No. 12 Morse (1-7-1), the Shipbuilders had a reason to play and they showed it.

The Eagles dominated play the entire game, but the Morse defense, as well as goaltender Alex Fernald, held strong, preventing any chance of an opposing goal during regulation.

Midway through the first half, Lincoln got its first scoring chance when captain Kaleab Buchwalder struck the ball over everyone’s head, sending it off the crossbar and out of play. This didn’t shake the Shipbuilders as they were able to transition to their offensive zone several times with solid footwork and heads-up play, though falling short of a quality scoring chance.

With just under a minute left to play in the first half, Fernald blocked what looked to be the go-ahead goal for the Eagles. Keegan Dunican found a hole within the 18- yard frame, but just as he was able to get his foot on the ball, Fernald threw his body in front and blocked a shot that had “goal” written all over it. Fernald totaled five saves at the half.

Entering the second half, the Shipbuilder boys looked to put the momentum on their side as ball movement from offensive players like Lucas Brown, Jake Reno and Garret Robson appeared to improve as the game ticked on.

Shipbuilders first-year coach Chuck Reece knew that though ball possession was heavily favored toward the Eagles, his team is one that can overcome that.

“That’s (heart) what these guys have, they have character,” Reece said. “Every one of them are good guys and they’re learning to play for each other, and they’re going to be dangerous going ahead with it.”

The second half played on and the Eagles continued to pound the Morse side of the field, finding themselves with nine more shots on the board, but not one goal to show for it, pushing the 0-0 deadlocked game into overtime.

Much of the same was seen in the first overtime, but Morse gained control in the final minute. With only 15 seconds remaining, Reno raced up field after a loose ball that found its way toward the Lincoln 18-yard line. A game-ender was in the midst for the Shipbuilders, but Reno’s speed was matched by Eagles defender Mason Whitaker, who was able to get his foot out and blast the ball out-ofbounds, sending the game into a second OT.

With 2:30 remaining in the second OT, Anderson turned and fired a shot from beyond the 18-yard frame on the left side of the field and buried it into the right corner of the goal over Fernald’s head, ending the game at 1-0 in favor of the Eagles.

Despite the tough loss for the Shipbuilders, Reece said his team played until the end.

“They battled all the way through and played very well,” he said. “They’ve come a long way since the first day of the season and I’m really proud of them.”

Morse will have a few days off from game action, but hopes to regain control against Belfast on Tuesday (home, 5 p.m.)

Lincoln Academy 1,
Morse 0, 2OTs

McMann Field in Bath
Lincoln— 0001—1
Morse— 0000—0
Goal —(LA) Greg Anderson
Shots — Lincoln 23, Morse 3.
Saves — (Mo) Alex Fernald 11; (LA)
Wally Morris 2.
Corner kicks — Lincoln 3, Morse 1.
Records — Morse 1-7-1, Lincoln 5-
3-1.
Up next for the Shipbuilders —
Tuesday at home against Belfast, 5
p.m.