Dirigo down Mountain Valley, 6-1

DIXFIELD -- Through much of the first half, the Dirigo boys' soccer team didn't appear to be on the same page. However, when things started to click, it was the Cougars who showed what needed to be done.

The trio of Chad Snowman, Hunter Ross and TJ Frost supplied the counter punch by each combining on the goals scored as the Cougars displayed their force in a 6-1 win against Mountain Valley under the lights at Harlow Park.

"We needed to settle down and Chad and I had to get back on defense," said Hunter Ross, who had three assists. "This is Mountain Valley and a rivalry game, so there is a lot of expectations. As for adjustments, it was strictly the fundamentals with getting Trevor (Newman) and (Statham) back and other things, so we're working on team unity."

Dirigo was unable to generate a sustained offensive attack, mainly because of the Falcons' strategy, until scoring twice in the final 3:16 of the first half. Ross set up both goals with his kicks into the crease. Snowman and Frost each headed a ball past Falcon goalie Dakota Jacques (15 saves) .

"We were fortunate to be up 2-0," said Dirigo coach Jack Rioux. "Mountain Valley outplayed us and I give them all the credit. We have a new defense and our sweeper, Brian Volkernick, is away on a fishing trip. But we have our three seniors who I call the three stooges, who have been together since freshmen year and know where each other on the field ."

MV players pressured the offensive zone but high kicks prevented rebounds. Andrew Phelps had the best chance, forcing Chow to cradle a shot.

Mountain Valley got on the scoreboard following an outstanding play by Phelps. Exchange student Nicklas Dupont intercepted a pass, Phelps, dribbled left, then rotated and booted the ball past goalie Mike Chow (seven saves) into the far corner.

"The two goals in the first half were death nails,”MV coach Todd Papianou said. “We played strong spirited soccer with good tempo and excellent opportunities... 38 minutes of 0-0 soccer is respectable."

Early in the second half, Dirigo went on the attack and Ross scored at 29:49, to lead 3-0.

"I agree ditto with what Hunter said,"Snowman said, who scored four goals and assist. "In the second, we came out and played with more (intensity). When the team gets going offensively we can be tough to stop."