Junior Adrian Marsh fights to control the ball in an October 1 game against Ellsworth. By Anne Berleant
Blue Hill—The George Stevens Academy Eagles extended their winning streak to three matches and their season record to 7-3 after heading off the field victorious over Ellsworth on October 1. It was Blue Hill’s second victory over the Ellsworth Eagles this season.
GSA scored its first point on a penalty kick by senior Chris Bennett, after junior Grayson Eaton drew a foul in the box less than 10 minutes in, then Bennett found the back of the net on a through ball from Eaton. A goal on a corner kick was called back, as the player was offsides, before senior Ricardo Sanchez headed the ball in for a third point off a Memphis Parker throw in.
Senior Ethan Vinall races to control the ball against Ellsworth October 1. By Anne Berleant
GSA led 3-0 as the buzzer sounded the end of the first half, and as a final score.
“We controlled the midfield, which is what we had hoped for,” Coach Mark Ensworth said.
Ellsworth may not have allowed a GSA goal in the second half but couldn’t progress much farther than midfield on offense, leaving sophomore goalkeeper Jed Sawyer lonely at the GSA net after five saves in the first half.
With the lead in place, Ensworth dug deeper into his bench in the second half. “Those guys stepped up well, keeping the pressure on Ellsworth,” said Ensworth.
This was the third win in a row for the Eagles, following wins over Searsport and Deer Isle-Stonington.
GSA is now ranked seventh in the Heal Point Standings, before an October 3 match against Mount Desert Island. The Eagles play in Deer Isle next Wednesday before wrapping up their regular season at home against #2 Orono on Friday, October 12 and #3 Houlton on Saturday, October 13. The regional preliminary playoff games are scheduled for October 19.
Senior Chris Bennett angles the ball in a match against Ellsworth October 1. By Anne Berleant