DIXFIELD — Alex Milledge and Cody St. Germain each scored in the first minute of each half as the Dirigo Cougars completed a season sweep with a 3-1 triumph over Mountain Valley in an MVC boys’ soccer game Thursday.

The teams had to deal with the elements at Harlow Park, which proved to be tricky. This played right into Dirigo’s strategy of keeping the ball on the ground and maintain possession.

“The ability to score two goals early in each half was big,” Mountain Valley coach Jarrod Dumas said. “Those type of scores can tend to take the wind out of (an opposing) team. But, I have to credit our team for hanging in there.”

Dirigo (8-2-1) scored on a low sot from the left wing, 29 seconds in to the game. The lead grew to 2-0 when St. Germain scored unassisted 59 seconds into the second half.

The Cougars had been awarded a direct kick from 40 yards out and freshman Brian Volkernick was instructed to kick the ball diagonally. The wind produced a curve on the ball and it ricocheted off some players. St. Germain was squared up and blasted a shot past the right shoulder of Falcons goalie Kyle Gauvin (nine saves).

“I had come out of the first half frustrated,” St. Germain said, who had scored twice in their first meeting. “I was determined to score. At this point of the season we are not working on one area, but the team is playing well. Our passing has really improved.”

Mountain Valley (2-8) received a boost from Gauvin, who saved hard shots, and defenders Andrew Child and Eric Billings cleared the zone. The inability to generate any offense, except for mini-rushes by Alex Witas and Andrew Phelps, hurt the Falcons.

“At halftime I told team they were in good shape,” Dumas said. “The score was only 1-0 on Dirigo’s home field. It all came down to how bad they wanted it, and it took heart and desire. I thought the kids stepped up.”

Josh Rainey controlled the ball in the offensive zone and forced Dirigo goalie Caleb Turner (five saves) to rush out. Rainey scored on the play with 27 minutes left in the game.

The Cougars controlled the ball with defenders Jeremy Briggs and Garret Carver and midfielder T.J. Frost.

“We needed to keep the ball on the ground,” Dirigo coach Jack Rioux said. “Our passes to the front line was what we tried because we felt we could take advantage of Falcons back line.”

Hunter Ross scored on a crossing pass by St. Germain at 19:28 to complete the scoring.