2-2 Warriors travel to Wilmington today, weather permitting

Published in the September 20, 2017 edition

JUNIOR Christina LeBlanc (15) had a great game for the girls’ soccer team in their home opener against Watertown, creating plenty of opportunities for the Warrior offense including assisting on both of Hailey Lovell’s goals. (Donna Larsson File Photo)

By DAN BYRNE

WAKEFIELD—Monday afternoon the WMHS girls’ varsity soccer team held their home opener at Walton Field as they hosted Watertown.

It was all Wakefield from the start, as the Warriors cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Raiders.

“We’re super proud of how we played,” Warriors head coach Steph Martin said following the win. “It was a great overall game, a total team effort.”

“We had to get back to .500,” Martin said, as the team came in with a 1-2 record. “So we came out with the same mentality, play our game, score first, that’s what we did.”

Wakefield got on top early with a goal within the first 10 minutes. With the Warriors attack applying constant pressure to the Watertown backline, Christina LeBlanc broke down the defense and fed Hailey Lovell to open the scoring 1-0 early on in the game.

Wakefield had possession in their half of the field for nearly 100 percent of the game as Watertown could barely clear their defensive half.

Watertown didn’t manage a shot on the Wakefield goal, while the Warriors were constantly winning corners and putting shots on goal, keeping the Watertown goalie busy with upwards of 20 shots.

“Definitely should have put the ball in the net more,” Martin admitted due to the high volume of shots. “But we got a solid effort, we dominated the game.”

Wakefield was able to double their lead just four minutes before halftime as Sara Junta found Allee Purcell on the left flank. Purcell displayed her outstanding speed as she accelerated by the defenders and caught everyone, including the Watertown goalie, by surprise as she let fly a shot from outside the 18-yard box that flew straight into the side of the net to make it 2-0.

“Allee Purcell’s goal was great,” Coach Martin said after the win. “Quick turn and hit the net. I was really impressed with her.”

Wakefield was always on the front foot, and the second half proved no different from the first half.

Coach Martin was getting max effort from all 11 players on the field at any given time, and with the Warriors having the upper hand, she was able to rotate everyone into the game.

“Everyone got in the game, it was wonderful, everyone got some playing time,” said the coach.

Even with some of the lesser used players subbing in off the bench, there was never a moment where Watertown regained their composure or captured the momentum from Wakefield.

“We had a lot of opportunities, created a lot, it was a whole team effort,” Martin said. “Through the middle Paige Dube had a great game. She really controlled the middle of the field.”

“Meaghan Foley, Grace Collins and Sarah Melanson played well at the back,” Martin added.

“Christina LeBlanc didn’t have any goals but she created a ton up top and played aggressive defense,” the coach went on, as she even admitted it was hard to decide who impressed the most on Monday.

Wakefield kept the pressure on in the second half and added to their lead with Leblanc’s pass finding Lovell in on goal. Lovell’s initial shot was expertly turned away by the goalie, but the rebound sat right on the goal line, and an alert and relentless Lovell followed her shot and made sure it went in the net.

Wakefield’s next game is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Wednesday at Wilmington, however some bad weather is expected and a postponement could be possible.