Another top swap in Varsity Maine boys soccer poll
Lewiston’s Overtime Edge Reclaims Top Spot in Class A North Boys’ Soccer Standings
The Lewiston Blue Devils reclaimed the top position in the Varsity Maine boys’ soccer poll after a hard‑fought 1‑0 overtime victory over the Brunswick Dragons on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Dragons’ home field. The win gave the Blue Devils the decisive edge in a two‑game series that had seen each team score three goals in total.
The Game
Lewiston’s breakthrough came in the final minutes of regulation. The Blue Devils’ forward Daniel Dimandja broke through the midfield, sprinting past Brunswick’s Ephraim Makambo and delivering a sharp pass to the edge of the penalty area. A quick finish capped a drive that kept the score 0‑0 into the 90th minute. When the clock ran out, the game entered sudden‑death overtime, where Lewiston’s relentless pressure paid off. The lone goal of the match, scored by an unidentified Blue Devils player, sealed a 1‑0 triumph.
The win was the first for Lewiston in a season that has seen a tight race at the top of the Class A North division. The Dragons had edged the Blue Devils 3‑2 in September, and the two teams have now split their encounters, each holding a single victory.
Poll Shake‑Up
The Varsity Maine boys’ soccer poll—released on Oct. 13—was updated to reflect the latest result. The Blue Devils returned to the #1 spot, earning seven first‑place votes and 88 total points. Brunswick fell to #2 with 83 points, receiving two first‑place votes. The top ten list now reads:
- Lewiston – 88 points
- Brunswick – 83 points
- Thornton Academy – 71 points
- Deering – 54 points
- Gorham – 49 points
- Scarborough – 32 points
- Yarmouth – 31 points
- John Bapst – 29 points
- Edward Little – 25 points
- Fryeburg Academy – 9 points
Other teams that earned votes include Hall‑Dale, Foxcroft Academy, Monmouth Academy, Camden Hills, Portland, and Greely. Fryeburg, which had slipped out of the rankings earlier in the month, re‑appeared at #10.
The poll’s methodology—based on games played before Oct. 13—means the recent overtime win carried significant weight. Voters appeared to adopt a “latest performance” approach, favoring Lewiston’s recent success over Brunswick’s earlier victory.
Upcoming Matchups
Lewiston now faces a crucial game against the ninth‑ranked Edward Little Red Eddies. The outcome could solidify or jeopardize the Blue Devils’ top‑ten standing as the playoff race intensifies.
Brunswick, meanwhile, has a busy road ahead. After a 7‑2 win over the Red Eddies last weekend, the Dragons are scheduled to play three Class A North playoff contenders: Mt. Blue, Messalonskee, and Mt. Ararat. A sweep of those teams would further cement their status as a perennial contender.
The rest of the top‑ten picture remains largely unchanged. Thornton Academy, Deering, Gorham, and Scarborough occupy the top four spots among Class A South teams—though they will not face each other in the final stretch of the regular season. Portland, ranked fifth in the South, has the potential to act as a spoiler with games against Thornton and Scarborough.
Why It Matters
In a division where margins are razor‑thin, a single overtime goal can shift momentum and alter the narrative for a season. Lewiston’s comeback win not only restored confidence but also re‑established them at the pinnacle of the state’s boys’ soccer rankings. For Brunswick, the loss serves as a reminder that consistency will be key as they prepare for their remaining playoff‑caliber opponents.
As the regular season draws to a close, every match will count. The Blue Devils and Dragons are poised to battle for the best possible seed in the postseason, while the rest of the top‑ten teams will be looking to finish strong and secure advantageous matchups in the playoffs.
The next chapter of Maine’s high‑school soccer story will unfold in the coming days, as each team strives to cement their legacy on the field and in the polls.
