Tide Rolls On

Photograph: Cindy Russell Photography

Portland, ME - The stands were filling up at Memorial Stadium on Saturday 06/01/2024 when The Tide kicked off their home opener with a strong performance, defeating Worcester Fuel FC 3-0 at Memorial Stadium. Attendance was just shy of 500 fans eager to see the tide play for the first time in 2024.

SUMMARY

Maine Footy controlled the match from the beginning, showcasing their ability to attack alongside a solid defensive performance. Despite Worcester Fuel's efforts, the Tide's relentless offense and cohesive team play secured a decisive victory. Goals from Anae Malbete, Logan Nicholson, and Meghan Guarente all contributed to the 3-0 victory. Anae Malbete was voted Player of the Match after she showed her ability to dictate the game with an early goal to set the tone.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Worcester Fuel had an early chance in the 5th minute when Willa Pratt's shot was cleared off the line by Darcy Wright allowing for a quickly counter with a shot landing wide by Abigail Rizo-Rojas. Worcester's goalkeeper, Kelsey Leach, made several key saves early on, and throughout the match, to keep the game scoreless.

The breakthrough for Maine Footy came in the 7th minute when a Yellow Card was issued to Kelsey leach for a hand ball just outside of her 18 yard box. This resulted in a Logan Nicholson direct free kick which was sent on target but knocked away by goalkeeper Kelsey Leach. Anae Malbete knocked in the ball of the save by Leach, putting the Tide up 1-0 early on in the match. The Tide continued to press, with multiple shots on goal and several corner kicks, but Worcester's defense held strong until the 14th minute.

Logan Nicholson doubled the lead for Maine Footy in the 14th minute netting a penalty kick into the left side of the goal making it 2-0. The Tide's pressure continued, with shots from Anna Rayhill, Megan Scholten, and others, but Worcester's goalkeeper Kelsey Leach kept Worcester in the game.

In the second half, Maine Footy maintained their pressure on Worcester. The Tide's third goal came in the 60th minute when Jasmine Leshnick played a ball in that split two Worcester defenders, finding the feet of Meghan Guarente who scored, sealing the victory at 3-0. Worcester Fuel struggled to create clear chances in the second half against the organized Tide defense.

The Tide's goalkeepers, #25 Sally Rainey (89' played) and #1 Jordan Wolf (2' played), had a relatively quiet game overall. Rainey tallied 2 saves off 2 shots on goal. Worcester's goalkeeper Kelsey Leach made numerous saves, putting on a solid defensive performance totaling 10 saves on the match with the Fuel facing 19 shots on goal. 

STANDINGS

The win last night pushed the Tide up the ranks in the UWS Eastern Conference. The Tide are currently ranked #4 in conference with a record of 2-1-0 and have accumulated 10 Goals Forced (GF) on the season.

LOOKING AHEAD

Maine Footy will host the next matchup of the season at Memorial Stadium in Portland, ME on 06/08/2024 against the New England Mutiny. The game will serve as a rematch to the season opener when the Tide were on the road against the Mutiny in southern mass.