South Portland boys soccer finishes its home season with quarterfinal win

Khelendende’s Two‑Goal Performance Propels South Portland to Regional Semifinal

South Portland, Maine – In a tightly contested Class A South quarterfinal, the South Portland Red Riots secured a 2‑0 victory over the Deering Rams at George E. Martin Field, earning a spot in the regional semifinal against the No. 1‑seeded Thornton Academy.

Senior co‑captain Lamed Khelendende opened the scoring with a header after a long cross from winger Anthony Nielsen, and added a second goal early in the second half. The Red Riots’ two‑goal surge left Deering scrambling, and the Rams were unable to mount a comeback.

“I’m so happy. But I’m also sad. This is our last home game and I’m a senior. I love this school,” Khelendende said after the match.
“The hard work we’re doing every day in practice and the focus to get better every day. I think it’s paying off right now and that’s why we’re here.”

The goals came from distinct plays. Khelendende’s first strike followed a long throw‑in by teammate Oliver Jenkins that found the back of the net after a few misfires. The second came when Nielsen, a senior captain known for his versatility on the wing, beat the first defender and crossed the ball to a soaring Khelendende for a clean finish.

Nielsen reflected on the play‑making philosophy of head coach Jeremey Longchamp:

“Coach trusts us with the ball at our feet. He wants us to get creative in the final third. And I guess that’s what we did.”
“We got creative. I took some chances, got the ball over to Lahmed for a beautiful finish. It was a team effort, like they always are.”

South Portland, ranked No. 4 with a 10‑3‑2 record and an 8‑0‑2 streak after a 2‑3 opening season, will face the No. 1‑seeded Thornton Academy (12‑1‑2) on Friday at the regional semifinal. The Rams, who finished the season 10‑4‑2 after a 6‑0‑1 start, will try to regroup after the loss.

Deering coach Joel Costigan offered a post‑game assessment:

“We had more momentum the first opening few minutes, a couple of opportunities to score, quality chances.”
“Definitely deflated after that first goal. Not the type of goal we ever want to concede, considering it was a (loose) ball in the box.”

Statistical highlights include:

• South Portland – 9 shots, 6 on target, 9 corner kicks; goalie Jude Charltray made 4 saves; Khelendende scored twice, Nielsen had an assist.
• Deering – 6 shots, 4 on target, 4 corner kicks; goalkeeper Linden McAuliffe made 4 saves.

The Red Riots’ performance demonstrated their control of the game, with a solid defense featuring captains Isaac Arey and Gil Ingram and a goalkeeping effort that kept the Rams at bay after the opening goal.

As South Portland looks ahead to the regional semifinal, the team’s recent surge and senior leadership will be key in the fight to reach the state playoffs.