Scarborough girls soccer wins fifth straight A South title

Scarborough Girls Soccer Team Secures Fifth Straight State‑Final Appearance

In a high‑stakes match on Tuesday night at their home field, the Scarborough Red Storm defeated the Kennebunk Rams 3–1 to capture the Class A South title and earn a berth in the state championship. The victory, which marked the fifth consecutive year the Red Storm has reached the final, will set up a showdown with North champion Camden Hills on Saturday.

The game was a showcase of depth, teamwork, and resilience for Scarborough, whose roster has expanded dramatically since last year’s playoffs. Head coach Craig Roberts noted that “a third of our roster weren’t even on the playoff roster last year.” Eight players who had not appeared in last season’s state or regional games were on the field tonight, and Roberts praised the group for pulling together. The team finished the season undefeated, 16‑0‑1, while Kennebunk finished 12‑4‑1.

A Late‑Game Surge

The Red Storm began the contest on the back foot. Kennebunk’s Ava McCourt opened the scoring early, capitalizing on a slick pass from Gwen Elia. The Rams’ senior midfielder, who had been a constant threat all season, slipped the ball past the Scarborough goalkeeper Teagan Hanson for a 1–0 lead.

Scarborough fought back with a strong 6–1 shot advantage but could not force a goal before halftime, ending the first half tied at 1. “We can’t go back and mark (McCourt), we can’t go back and have energy in that half to keep a shutout going,” Roberts said after the break. “But we can do it now.”

The second half saw Scarborough gain the upper hand. At 13 minutes in, sophomore Maya Casey battled past two Kennebunk defenders, firing a shot that missed the post. The rebound found sophomore Jill Morris, who calmly finished the ball for the Red Storm’s first goal. “Once Maya got the ball, I trusted whole‑heartedly she was going to get it on frame,” Morris recalled. “I was there for the keeper and I just tapped it over. … People are always like, ‘Don’t panic, don’t panic, you have more time than you think.’ And it’s so true.”

With the lead secured, Scarborough pressed for additional firepower. Freshman Wren Bodah—whose first season began as an unplanned addition to the lineup—threw a pair of long corner kicks from junior center‑back Josie Duncan. Bodah’s first was converted by Duncan, and the second was capitalized on by Bodah herself, who rose above the defense to tap home a rebound from a Duncan corner. “I was really surprised. I didn’t know how much playing time I was going to get or if I was going to even start,” Bodah said. “(Duncan and I) have a special connection, I think. … Our goal is to find each other.”

The final goal came just before the final minute of regulation. A 30‑yard free kick from Duncan found its way to Bodah, who again outmaneuvered the defense to secure a third goal. “Wren and I had that goal and that connection really early on. I kind of sensed it was going to happen again,” Duncan explained. “I had full confidence in her, if (my shot) wasn’t going in, she would be there.”

Coaching Perspectives

Coach Roberts reflected on the team’s growth: “I think there were eight girls who played in tonight’s game who didn’t play in last year’s state game or regional final. A third of our roster weren’t even on the playoff roster last year. I’m really impressed with the way this group has come together.”

Kennebunk’s coach Josh Viola acknowledged the challenge: “I thought we played really hard, I thought we executed the game plan like we wanted to. They’re a great team,” he said. “This year was much more 50‑50 than last year. They put more goals in, but we played better this year. I’m proud of the girls.”

Celebration and Camaraderie

The match was a jubilant affair, with the field quickly filling with players and coaches. “Let’s go!” one player shouted as the team approached the sidelines, to which assistant coach Doug Bennett responded, “Oh, we’re goin’.” The camaraderie was palpable, especially when goalkeeper Vera DiSotto was mobbed by teammates after the final whistle, a testament to the team’s unity.

Looking Ahead

Scarborough’s victory sets the stage for a state final against Camden Hills, the North champion. The Red Storm will look to bring the same depth and determination that carried them through the playoffs. Whether they can extend their run and bring another state title to Scarborough remains to be seen.

For Kennebunk, the loss will be a disappointment, but coach Viola’s comments suggest a team that is proud of its effort and ready for next season: “We have a history of that. We don’t get down. … We’ve had a strong season of coming back.”

As the season concludes, Scarborough’s record of 16‑0‑1 stands as a testament to a program that continues to thrive, fueled by the enthusiasm of new players and the experience of seasoned teammates alike.