Cougar girls boot Cobras, 6-0

DIXFIELD -- There was no signs of a let up by the Dirigo girls' soccer team, so when they got things going, they were unstoppable.
The Lady Cougars maintained control throughout the action and received balance on offense with goals by Megan Bradbury and Gabby Scott in a convincing 6-0 win against Carrabec under the lights at chilly Harlow Park.
Still, it was the was the all-around effort by Dirigo, beginning with the defense that prevented the Cobras from unwinding. The leader was Kayla Gaudin, who dropped back and was able to clear several balls out with booming kicks. There was constant rotation between Gretchen Bradbury (B), Bryce Parent, Sam Morse and Kaitlyn Morang. The strong play continued even after stopper Ambyr Wilson
was sidelined with an ankle injury.
"I discovered right away that if I kicked the ball to the right, (Carrabec) defense would rotate over," said Gaudin. "That left the other side of the field open."
Forwards Natalie Bolduc took advantage by scoring the first of her four goals on a leading pass from Megan Bradbury, 2:39 into the game. The Cougars produced several more opportunities with Sabrina Daoud and Summer Kiem.
Dirigo scored with 2:37 left in the first half, with Megan Bradbury from Michelle Morrison on a low shot that skidded under the hands of Carrabec goalie Sarah Larlee (nine saves).
"That goal was big," said Gaudin. "Especially going into halftime with a two-goal lead, it really pumped us up and proved that we could do it.''
In the second half, Dirigo started with offensive pressure and Bolduc (10 yarder) beat the defense, from Lindsy Crutchfield at 36:05.
Seven minutes later, Scott used her left foot, with N. Bolduc assisting. Bolduc scored twice more on rushes, the latter on Ellie Jasper's assist.
Dirigo had a 13 to 6 advantage on shots and had seven corners.
''That's what we do,'' said Gaudin, regarding the Cougars' aggressive play and showing no fear by going through loose balls. ''We try intimidating teams by showing then them that we won't back down."
The midfield was effective with Megan Bradbury, Destiny (Newton), Morrison and Daoud. Dirigo goalie Natasha Deroche had seven saves to record her fourth shutout.