Johnson and Radford score as Cheverus takes out Biddeford again

The strategy worked so well the first time for the Cheverus field hockey team that the Stags just had to repeat it.

Lucy Johnson scored another early goal, Cheverus got another from Zoey Radford for the game-winning fourth-quarter goal and the Stags earned their second 2-0 win of the season over Biddeford, extending their regular season winning streak to 54 games.

It looked like a copy of the first meeting on September 6th. Biddeford again created most of the chances midway through the game, but Cheverus (8-0) took advantage of Johnson's early tally to ensure they played with the lead.

“It kind of did. It was back and forth, it was anyone’s game again,” said Cheverus coach Andrea Musante. “I felt like we played maybe a little more organized. … We were prepared for them to be faster and stronger, and they were.”

It also felt eerily — and frustratingly — familiar for the Tigers (6-2), who scored 43 goals in their six wins but couldn't capitalize on any of their chances against the defending Class A state champions.

“It felt exactly like (the first loss). Looking back now, I ask myself, ‘Is it a copy-and-paste from September 6?’” Biddeford coach Caitlin Tremberth said. “It actually feels like a copy and paste and I hate to see it because I know both teams have gotten better. …It's a little frustrating. I was hoping it would be a little different.”

Biddeford had three corners to one for Cheverus in the first half – the high-powered Stags' only corner of the game – but in a matchup between two of the state's best teams, Johnson once again gave her team the upper hand. Near the end of the first quarter, she collected the ball past midfield, charged forward, shook off a defender and fired a shot from the left side that found the net with 2:55 minutes left.

“I was just trying to get out of my backwards … because I felt like the goalie made the first save,” she said. “Both teams went into this game today with great anticipation. We knew what we were getting into. We’re both very talented teams and I think the first goal was definitely a boost.”

The Tigers spent much of the first half and into the third quarter on offense, but missed opportunities as a stingy Cheverus defense prevented them from doing so. Midway through the third period, Mia Mariello had a good chance from the left side, but shot just wide of the goal.

Tremberth said a breakthrough could ease the gate problems.

“We had several chances in front of the net,” Tremberth said. “We just have to get one in the net. …I feel like scoring goals hasn't been a problem (this season), but we need to get that first goal. Then they can play and take some of the strain off their shoulders. It feels so easy.”

Instead, Cheverus picked up the pace in the second half. The Stags began to control the game and that increased time on offense paid off as Radford brought the ball to the top of the circle, gained space and fired a shot that found the back of the net with 11:29 to play.

“It felt so good. Honestly, it was a relief, kind of a weight lifted off our shoulders,” Radford said. “I knew I had another teammate close to me … so I didn't know if I wanted to take that shot off the pads for a rebound. I put it online hoping something good would happen.”

Musante credited an improved passing game with turning the game back in the Stags' favor.

“We realized we couldn’t rely on big runs down the field like we might have in some other games,” she said. “That kept Biddeford on his heels but at the same time we had a corner the whole game. Biddeford’s defense was so clean and so strong, I have to give them a pat on the back for that.”

And the Cheverus defense, again, was just as good. The Stags have only allowed two goals all season.

“We got into their circle a little more than they got into ours,” Johnson said. “Our defense is so strong. … We played better below the 25 and got rid of the ball quicker.”

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