Lewiston boys soccer notches comeback win over Camden Hills

Lewiston Blue Devils Edge Camden Hills 3‑2 in Thrilling Class A North Title Game

Lewiston, ME – In a high‑stakes showdown that lived up to every hype surrounding the long‑standing rivalry, the Lewiston Blue Devils defeated the Camden Hills Windjammers 3‑2 to secure the Class A North title. The game, held at Lewiston High School on Tuesday, September 8, saw Lewiston rally from a two‑goal deficit before Yussuf Ali netted the decisive header in the final two minutes.

A Rivalry that Defines the State

Both programs are ranked fifth and sixth, respectively, in the first Varsity Maine boys‑soccer poll of 2026. They have faced each other in the Class A North title match twice in a row, each team coming away with a state championship after trading victories in 2023 and 2024. “It’s one of the best rivalries in Maine soccer,” said Lewiston head coach Dan Gish. “It’s always super competitive, two skilled teams that have a little bit different styles, but works for each.”

Camden Hills coach Ryan Hurley echoed that sentiment. “I think it’s the best rivalry in the state. Kids get up for it. That’s a playoff game every time; it’s not like a regular‑season game,” he told reporters before kickoff.

The Match Unfolds

Camden Hills struck early, with Des Costigan scoring just over eight minutes in, giving the Windjammers a 1‑0 lead. Three minutes later, Connor Middleton, assisted by Soren Johnson, extended the advantage to 2‑0. Lewiston’s Yussuf Ali, who would later become the hero, found the net in the fourth minute of the first half when a corner kick ricocheted into his path. Although some Camden players protested a potential handball, the goal stood, narrowing the deficit to 1‑0.

The first half ended 2‑0, but the Blue Devils were not ready to concede defeat. In the second half, Daniel Dimandja broke the deadlock with a goal that gave Lewiston a 1‑2 lead. The rally continued as Yussuf Ali, assisted by Abdirauf Hersi, capped the comeback with a header in the final minute, turning the tide to 3‑2. The wind‑jacked Windjammers could not answer, and the final whistle confirmed the Blue Devils’ victory.

“We knew this game was really important to send a message to the rest of the state,” Ali told reporters after the match. “We know Camden Hills is coming to win also. They’re previous champions, just like us, and it was a debate and whoever wants to win it more.”

Key Performances

• Lewiston: Yussuf Ali – 2 goals, 1 assist; Daniel Dimandja – 1 goal; Abdirauf Hersi – 1 assist.
• Camden Hills: Des Costigan – 1 goal; Connor Middleton – 1 goal; Soren Johnson – 1 assist.

Khalil Ibrahim, though not credited with an assist on the winning goal, was instrumental in setting the play. He passed to Hersi, who in turn found Ali for the decisive strike. “If you can come back from a 2‑0 hole on Camden, that’s quite a feat,” Gish added, highlighting the mental toughness of his squad.

A Game for the Ages

The final moments were nothing short of dramatic. With the score tied 2‑2, Ali leapt to meet a corner, sending a header past Camden’s goalkeeper to make the game 3‑2. The Blue Devils’ teammates lifted him in celebration, the roar of the crowd echoing across the field.

“It’s great to see the kids playing with that intensity,” Gish reflected. “They clawed back. Once we got one, they didn’t blame each other. It was a great team effort.”

The win positions Lewiston firmly in the conversation for the state championship, following their own recent triumph in 2024. Camden Hills, meanwhile, will regroup after a valiant effort, knowing the rivalry’s next chapter will be played on even more competitive footing.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will be looking to the next season with fresh eyes, but the legacy of the 2026 rivalry is already cemented. Whether it’s the tactical battles, the individual brilliance of players like Ali and Costigan, or the sheer drama of a come‑from‑behind victory, the matchup remains a highlight in Maine high‑school soccer.

As the sun set on Lewiston High School that evening, the Blue Devils celebrated a hard‑earned title, while the Windjammers left a trail of determination that will no doubt shape the next chapter of this storied rivalry.