By: Maine Footy 5/19/2024 6:00am EDT
Photo: Cindy Russell Photography
Ludlow, Mass. - The Maine Footy Tide faced off against the New England Mutiny marking both of their first matches within the United Women’s Soccer League. The Mutiny hosted the match at Lusitano Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Mutiny earned the season-opening triumph, 3-1.
The match started with an early goal from Mutiny's #18 Avery Klingen Smith at the three-minute mark of the match. The Tide’s #9 Madison Michaud, responded with an opportunity to answer the early goal with a great shot in the 25th minute which almost evened out the score, but was saved by the Mutiny's keeper #23 Katrina Chorzepa. The Mutiny attempted to extend their lead in the first half, coming close with a header off a corner that struck crossbar.
The Mutiny remained on the attack in the second half with #13 Hope Santaiello tallying another goal in the 56th minute, assisted by #10 Kendall Bodak's cross from the left.
The Tide’s #10 Megan Scholten shortened the lead with an unassisted goal in the 59th minute off a corner kick from the left side that sailed over the head of goalkeeper Melina Ford, finding net in the right side of the goal.
The New England Mutiny secured the win with another goal by #25 Cat Barry in the 85th minute.
University of New Hampshire’s Sally Rainey kept The Tide in the game making crucial saves throughout the match with a notable save on a Mutiny breakaway late in the game. Rainey tallied eight saves on the day. The Tide are on the road again next Saturday May 25th for the second game of the season against Worcester Fuel FC at Dean College in Franklin Mass at 7:00 PM.