Lewiston boys soccer wins top-2 showdown with Brunswick in overtime

Lewiston Blue Devils snatched a 1‑0 overtime victory over the Brunswick Dragons on Thursday night, handing the previously unbeaten Dragons their first loss of the season and reshaping the Class A North standings.

The match took place at Brunswick’s home field, where the two top‑ranked teams in the Varsity Maine Top 10 met for the second time in ten days. Brunswick had entered the game as the unanimous No. 1 team after a 3‑2 win over Lewiston the previous week, but the Blue Devils answered with a late goal that came off a deflection.

With 1:39 left in the extra period, Abdirauf Hersi launched a free kick from midfield into the box. Khalil Ibrahim controlled the ball, took a touch and fired toward goal. The shot struck a Brunswick defender and ricocheted into the net. Ibrahim described the moment as feeling “in slow motion” after hearing teammate Nathan Dimandja urge him to shoot, saying he simply struck the ball and let the deflection do the rest.

Lewiston coach Dan Gish praised the composure shown by his squad, noting that “one opportunity and having the composure to finish it, and not backing off for a single minute by either team” proved decisive. He added that winning away in overtime provides a major confidence boost and that the team still has work ahead.

Brunswick’s coach Mark Roma admitted his side lost its rhythm after a strong start, saying they “were spinning (our) wheels a little bit” and had drifted from the early game plan.

The game featured numerous set‑piece chances. Lewiston earned eight corner kicks to Brunswick’s six. Nathan Dimandja had a header from a corner in the 25th minute that sailed over the crossbar, while Brunswick’s second‑half chance in the 15th minute saw a loose ball in the box cleared by a Lewiston defender before it could threaten the goal.

Statistically, Ibrahim was credited with the goal, Hersi with the assist, and Farhan Mohamed recorded three saves for Lewiston. Brunswick’s Declan Theberge made four saves.

In the standings, Lewiston now leads the Class A North Heal point column by more than 20 points over Brunswick. The Blue Devils have three regular‑season games remaining, while Brunswick has four. Both squads will next face No. 3 Edward Little — Brunswick on Saturday in Auburn and Lewiston hosting the Red Eddies on October 20.

Hersi, who supplied the game‑setting free kick, said he aimed to place the ball in a dangerous area, recalling a similar attempt from the previous week that nearly produced a result. He expressed satisfaction at finally converting the opportunity into a goal‑assist contribution for his team.

The win not only ends Brunswick’s unbeaten run but also reinforces Lewiston’s position as the team to beat in the northern division as the season heads toward its climax.