Scarborough boys soccer edges Biddeford in A South prelim
Scarborough Red Storm edge Biddeford Tigers 1‑0 in Class A South quarterfinal
A tight, hard‑fought match in Scarborough’s gym saw the Red Storm defeat the Biddeford Tigers 1‑0 on Tuesday night, earning a spot in the Class A South semifinal. The only goal, a header by junior Evan Sharifipour from a Papa Osei cross, came in the 16th minute and proved decisive in a game that saw both sides trade aggressive tackles and a brief collision that briefly broke the rhythm of the contest.
The match, played under the lights in front of a crowd of excited fans, was the first of the Red Storm’s nine‑game winning streak that began in the preseason, a streak that had already included a 1‑0 loss to the state‑champion team the previous week. Scarborough finished the game with an 11‑2‑2 record, while Biddeford fell 7‑7‑2 after the loss.
Senior midfielder Connor Casey opened the dialogue about the rivalry. “We all knew it was going to be a rivalry going in. It was going to be heated,” he said. “We definitely didn’t overlook them going over here.” Casey’s calm words mirrored the team’s focus: the Red Storm kept their composure in a game that had moments of tension and physicality. When a Biddeford player collided with Scarborough’s goalkeeper Tyler Pelletier in the second half, a handful of shoves erupted, but the coach’s men quickly restored order and the game resumed.
“The goal came just 1 minute and 15 seconds after emotions briefly bubbled over,” noted Osei, who was on the field but not involved in the strike. “These two teams are so competitive, we know there are going to be some chippy moments… that was big for us to get motivated and then use that to score.”
The goal itself was a textbook showcase of teamwork. Osei, dropping deep from a long run down the right sideline, delivered a precise cross into the box. “I see we’ve got a clump of people back post,” Osei explained, “I know if we drop it in there, eventually it’s going to fall to somebody. Just get it in that spot.” Sharifipour made the final connection, timing a run into the penalty area and heading the ball past the keeper with 24:09 left in the first half. “It was beautiful,” Sharifipour told reporters. “It came over the keeper. I sprinted from the top of the 18 to the box, and I just tapped it in. If I missed, it would have been terrible.”
Biddeford’s coach Paul Illiano was quick to acknowledge his team’s effort. “It was tough,” he said. “We knew it was going to be tough. I liked the way we finished the game, just couldn’t find a goal.” Illiano praised the Tigers’ defensive discipline, noting “pack mentality on defense, just one guy to the ball at a time, and the rest of the guys in a position to support.” Despite a 7‑6 shot‑on‑goal advantage, the Tigers were unable to convert.
Scarborough’s offensive output was highlighted by junior Joseph Walker, who, though not involved in the goal, was a key figure in the attack. “He was strong on the ball and skilled at bringing it up through the midfield,” said coach Mark Diaz. “He also got back on defense and was an effective 1‑on‑1 matchup.” Diaz added that the team’s cohesion had improved dramatically. “We’re just playing more like a team now,” he said. “We’re close to where everyone’s on the same page. When you get that, you’ve got a shot. And we’re close.”
Both teams displayed a mental toughness that resonated with fans and the media. The game’s atmosphere, described by Casey as “tight and intense,” was a testament to the high stakes of high‑school playoff soccer in Maine. The Red Storm’s victory not only advanced them to the next round but also underscored their progress from a 1‑2‑1 preseason start to a season‑long string of wins.
As Scarborough heads to the next round, the Red Storm will look to maintain the momentum that carried them through a grueling season, while Biddeford will regroup and aim to return to the postseason in the following year.
By Drew Bonifant, Maine News Now
