RUMFORD — Dirigo struck quickly in a 2-1 triumph over determined Mountain Valley under the lights in a boys’ soccer game under the lights at Chet Bulger Field on Tuesday.

Juniors T.J. Frost and Hunter Ross scored goals 19 and 15 seconds into the start of each half. The Cougars then fended off a strong challenge. 

It was a quick return for Mountain Valley who beat Telstar 4-1 Monday afternoon.

“We wanted to start fast,” Dirigo coach Jack Rioux said. “I really didn’t know if we were ready to play tonight. But those two quick goals told me we were. It was a total team effort because every one got involved.”

Dirigo (9-3), ranked sixth in Class C, set up the eventual winning play like clockwork. Frost advanced a lead pass to Ross who never broke stride and kicked the ball across the crease. Falcon goalie Kyle Gauvin moved forward to attempt to cut down the angle, but the ball found its way into the far corner.

Chad Snowman scored on a breakaway pass over the top by Jeremy Briggs 48 seconds into overtime in Dirigo’s 1-0 win over the Falcons last month.

“We had quite a few breakaway attempts,” Rioux said. “But, I have to credit their goalie Kyle Gauvin because he came out of the net and shut us down. That was also the first full game that Josh Turbide had played outside halfback. He’s usually on defense, but he switched with Trevor Newman who did a great job.”

Mountain Valley came back with a vengeance and pressured the offensive zone through out the second half. Josh Rainey centered a corner kick and Dirigo’s Cody St. Germain tried heading the ball out, but Simon Jensen drilled a shot past Dirigo goalie Caleb Turner (8 saves) with 28:4 remaining in the second half.

“That’s why a soccer game is 80 minutes and not 79 and a half,” Mountain Valley coach Jarrod Dumas said. “Dirigo outplayed us and deserved to win, but I’m quite proud of my guys for fighting back. We even had a chance to tie it with 1:30 left.”

A shot by Cory Carlson, who had rushed in alone, failed to hit the net.

Frost scored following the opening tap. Ross and St. Germain each had opportunities, but their shots hit the net and left post.

Mountain Valley defenders Gauvin, Andrew Child, Jan Fillies and Jensen made spectacular saves and cleared balls out of the zone. Striker Robin Baxmann (injured foot) was unable to play

The Cougars were busy with defenders Briggs, Newman, Brian Volkernick and Garret Carver.