Woodsville
Molly Clough’s unplanned, backward tap-in to defender Emmalee Smith on a corner kick set up freshman Maachah Krull’s goal in the 70th minute, lifting the Engineers to a 1-0 win over the Lumberjacks at Community Field.
All alone in space, Smith sent a dart into the goalmouth for Krull, who beat Lin-Wood keeper Xena Bartlett for her fourth goal of the year.
“Usually we launch in a cross on corner kicks, but this was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” said Clough, a senior midfielder. “I saw Emmalee was wide open, so I just kind of tapped it out to her before anyone could get on her, and she made a really nice pass to Maachah.”
It was the eighth straight win for the Engineers, who improved to 8-2-0 despite playing without injured leading scorer Olivia Sarkis (knee). Sarkis, a freshman, has nine goals, five assists and scored twice against Profile on Tuesday before hyperextending her knee with two minutes left.
She, senior Suzy Bazzell (eight goals, five assists) and Krull have formed a potent three-striker attack for Woodsville, which has outscored opponents 31-12.
“Not having Olivia out there definitely changed things a little bit for us, because she is very aggressive and always gets a body on the ball when you cross it to her,” Clough said.
Sarkis’ arrival this season prompted a move for Clough — the team’s leading scorer last year as a forward — to center midfield, a position she hadn’t played since middle school. After an early-season adjustment period, Clough has excelled in her new role. She’s tied for the team lead with five assists.
“I actually like it better because I can see the whole field and distribute the ball better,” Clough said.
Woodsville coach Ann Loud was somewhat wary of moving Clough back and considered shuffling less-experienced players through the center mid position.
“I told her at the beginning of the season, ‘I hate to do this to you,’ and that I would play some of the freshmen and younger players back there if she wanted me to,” Loud said.
“ I knew they would struggle, but they would be better in the long run for it. But I told Molly, ‘If you play center mid, we’re going to be better this year.’ She agreed, and we have been better for it.”
The Engineers dominated the run of play against Lin-Wood (5-6-0), which played without its own leading scorer, Maddy MacDonald (ankle).
Woodsville kept things largely in the Lumberjacks’ end, finishing with a 22-2 advantage in shots and 14-0 edge in corner kicks.
Many of the Engineers’ bids were off-target, forcing just six saves by Bartlett as the game remained scoreless through 69 minutes in breezy, cool conditions.
“We were sluggish and just not putting it together,” Loud said. “We just weren’t in synch, but fortunately Emmalee and Maachah made a great play on the goal. We needed it.”
Improving communication and intensity are ongoing focal points for the Engineers, who hope to make a run at their first title game since 2014. Inconsistency in those departments have hindered Woodsville’s progress at times and were periodically on display Thursday.
“We had a lot of peaks and valleys today,” said senior defender Lily Kinder, whose unit earned its fourth shutout in front of sophomore keeper Mackenzie Dennis (two saves). “There were times where we were talking to each other like we need to be, and other times when we were too quiet.”
Added Clough: “Intensity is huge for us. It’s definitely something we’ve got to keep working on.”
Free Kicks: Woodsville had 11 shots in each half. Both of Lin-Wood’s came in the second half. … Bazzell (49 career goals) was held without a point for the first time since Aug. 31. … Sarkis said she expects to be back for Tuesday’s game at rival Lisbon. … Loud praised the play of sophomore midfielders Astra Sleeper and Sarah Britton. … One of the game’s referees was former Hanover High and Rivendell Academy girls soccer coach Hank Tenney.
Jared Pendak can be reached at jpendak@vnews.com or 603-727-3225.