RUMFORD – The Mountain Valley boys’ lacrosse team neglected to make the necessary adjustments, and it cost the Falcons in their season opener on Monday.
Gorham attackers Tim Millett and Brendan Ryan each scored three goals as a strong passing game proved to be the difference in a 11-3 win over the Falcons. The unbeaten Rams utilized their finesse to offset the Falcons’ physical tactics.
Mountain Valley (0-1) erupted for three goals in the second quarter to remain within striking distance at 5-3. Senior Chris Smith scored on a well executed centering passing from Nick Pingree with 29 seconds left in the first half.
“That was a nice goal,” Falcons coach Jeff Gilbert said. “We got a pass to the center-mid and Chris Smith was able to carry it in. That’s the way we practice it, but then our play was sloppy throughout the second half.”
Gorham (3-0) received two goals each by Joe Martin and Millett in the third quarter to open up an insurmountable 9-3 lead. The Rams passed the ball around the perimeter against the passive Falcons defense.
“Mountain Valley was playing a zone defense against us,” Gorham coach Ken Templeton said. “So we passed the ball around (triangle) and waited for an opening. I felt we executed well one-on-one by bouncing the ball on goal.”
The Falcons’ sophomore goalie Tyler Child made 15 saves on 32 shots on goal. Defenders Andrew Morton, Eric Collins and Brendan Bradley always seemed to be one-step behind the ball carrier.
Mountain Valley scored two goals in 33 seconds to trail 3-2. Chris Smith moved in alone and fired a shot past Ram goalie Kevin Boucher. Falcon attacker Nick Smith added another unassisted goal.
Gorham took a 3-0 lead on goals by Ryan, Millett and Alex Dahaus in the first quarter.
“(Game) didn’t start well for us,” Gilbert said. “With Gorham passing so much, we’d end up with three defenders over on one side. They would swing the ball around to the back side and we didn’t adjust quick enough.”
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