DIXFIELD – The Dirigo Cougars flexed their muscles in a Mountain Valley Conference boys’ soccer game at sunny Harlow Park on Thursday afternoon.

Junior Jon Smith scored two goals, including the eventual winning point, in the second half as Dirigo fended off the elements to beat Winthrop, 4-2.

Dirigo (3-0) had squandered a two-goal lead, but its perspective to make a final stand. The score was tied 2-2 when Smith shot from the crease, corralled the rebound and kicked the ball in to the far corner. Winthrop goalie Mike Gingras reacted to the initial shot, but couldn’t retrieve the second attempt.

“We are playing as a team,” Smith said. “We had been thinking about splitting the first four games, but we have three wins already, so we’re ahead of expectations.”

Winthrop (0-2) started the game backpedaling and failing to go after 50-50 balls. This allowed Dirigo to go the offensive. Smith and co-captain Colby Knap each put in headers. Wes Gagnon set up the first tally and Gingras (12 saves) was out of position.

“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” Knapp said. “It is important not to get ahead of ourselves.”

Winthrop regrouped and Brenden Belanger scored on a rush from the right side to make it 2-1 at halftime. Tim Gingras knotted the score 50 seconds in to the second half. Gingras shot from the right side, the ball hit the left post and eluded Cougar goalie Josh Saphier six saves.

The play erupted into a physical battle. A red card and three yellow cards were issued against Winthrop, prompting coach Lonny Steeves to decline comment after the game.

“I believe poise helped us today,” Dirigo coach Dennis Hanson said. “The kids kept their heads, where as last year’s team would have folded. They refused to get caught up in the (rough) play, and at halftime, I reminded them to stick with our game plan. The midfielders played well today, and we are also getting solid contributions from a couple of freshmen, Eric Bolduc and Tyler Gates.”

Dirigo had a 27-11 shot advantage and 7-1 on corners. The Cougars have outscored opponents 9-2 behind defenders Alex LeBlanc, Adam Law and Archie Ray.

LeBlanc completed the scoring with a 35-yard shot.