By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
ASHLAND, Maine — Mark Chasse held Woodland’s talented striker Damon Lincoln without a goal, leading No. 3 Ashland to a 5-0 victory over No. 14 Woodland in Friday’s preliminary playoff soccer match. “It was a very good performance from us, particularly defensively,” said Hornet coach Mark Stanley. “We had to pay close attention to him, and Mark defended him brilliantly, as did our entire defensive unit. To limit a striker like Lincoln to two shots all game is very impressive.”
Ashland also displayed a strong and balanced offense with five different players scoring goals. Tyler Chasse, Ben Philbrook and Cody Blair notched first-half goals, while Isaac Cyr and Jarrett Beaulier both finding the back of the net in the second half.
Blair has been the most consistent scorer for the Hornets throughout the season, but his teammates chipped in Friday.
“It was great to see other players stepping forward to score,” said Stanley. “This has been a concern for me throughout the season, especially where we are so young. We need more people to step up and be leaders and that’s beginning to happen.”
Nicholas Belanger and Beaulier added assists for the winners, with Tim Tarr saving five shots for the goalie shutout. Ashland’s record improved to 8-4-3 with the triumph.
Woodland goalkeeper Chris Thornton had 19 saves for the Dragons, which ended up 6-9 overall.
The victory allows Ashland to move into the Eastern Maine Class D quarterfinals for a home matchup against No. 6 Shead of Eastport this afternoon at 2 p.m.
“It’s a game I am really looking forward to. Shead is quite similar to Woodland in that they have a star player that will need to be quieted in order to win the game,” Stanley said. “John Cushing is a sharp goal scorer and he will be our priority when defending.
“I think we have a good game plan coming in and if the boys keep moving the ball with pace up front and defend with grit like they have been lately, we will be very successful,” he added.
