Purchase this image
POLAND — After Poland began its season with six wins and a tie through seven games, Juan Bustamante knew that some difficult opponents still awaited the Knights.
Among those teams was Greely, and when the Class B South foes did finally meet on Wednesday, the result was a 2-2 tie.
“It was a tough game,” said Bustamante. “We’re happy to honestly come away with a tie with that. We wanted to win, though. We came out fast. But yeah, good competitive game.”
Poland (8-1-2), ranked third in the Class B South Heal point standings, has three games remaining, against Old Orchard Beach, North Yarmouth Academy and Waynflete. Sixth-ranked Greely (5-3-2) plays Gray-New Gloucester next and finishes with games against three of the region’s top five teams — Cape Elizabeth, Freeport and Yarmouth.
“It was a little bit of a battle, but at the same time, (to) get out of here with the points is important in the tie, so overall, happy with the kids for battling,” Greely coach Neil Carroll said. “It’s something we haven’t faced yet, so happy with them to do that.”
The Rangers also played region-leading Cape Elizabeth to a draw on Saturday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Poland got on the scoreboard first, about six and half minutes into the game. Greely keeper Rylee Begin tried to kick the ball away from the goal, but it defected off Julia Paradis as she leaped into the air and wound up in the net.
Purchase this image
Just over five minutes into the second half, Tess Waterhouse scored the equalizer for the Rangers. After a corner kick by Waterhouse, the ball bounced back to her and she lofted it into the far corner from a sharp angle.
It took Poland just 51 seconds to regain the lead, as Leksi Langevin scored from close range after a direct kick by Phoebe Paradis.
Greely had several looks at another equalizer, but it didn’t come until a little over 18 minutes later, again off a corner kick, as Simone Couture set up Victoria Zandan.
The Rangers nearly scored late in the first overtime, but Payton Seekins missed wide left. Late in the second overtime, a header by Poland’s Davis Hill hit the crossbar.
HEARD IT HERE FIRST
• “The girls are really hungry, and we want a home (playoff) game, so that’s what we’re looking for.” — Poland coach Juan Bustamante
• “In the last couple weeks, (the players have) kind of found a little bit different energy, and the culture has changed a little bit in our first year. And give props to the captains, really. They’ve done a great job helping us create that.” — Greely coach Neil Carroll
STATISTICAL LEADERS:
• Poland: Julia Paradis (goal), Leksi Langevin (goal)
• Greely: Tess Waterhouse (goal), Victoria Zandan (goal), Simone Couture (assist)