RUMFORD — It took some time Tuesday, but the Mountain Valley girls’ soccer team kicked it into gear Tuesday afternoon in a game against Oak Hill at Chet Bulger Field.

Senior forward Sarah Klein seized her opportunities and scored two goals, including the game-winner midway through the first half, while the defense was solid as the Falcons recorded a 5-0 shutout win over the Raiders in an MVC contest.

Mountain Valley (6-3) started out slowly, and wasn’t able to generate much offense. Eventually, the Falcons used their strong passing game to strike four times in the second half. Mountain Valley has doubled its win total from a year ago and is positioned to earn a home playoff game.

“I just think that we needed to play as a team,” Klein said. “We came out too flat.”

Oak Hill (2-7) went on the offensive and produced five shots and five corners in the first 10 minutes. Forwards Megan Crosby, Jamie Prue and Bree Ivy and freshman midfielder Sydney Drew each put shots directly on net. Crosby used two somersault throw-ins that Falcon junior goalie Karen Flaherty (eight saves) was forced to cradle.

“I think we had taken Oak Hill too lightly coming in to the game and the game and they caught us off guard,” Klein said.

The Falcons have stressed a team effort, and everyone on team competing together on the same page. 

Mountain Valley defenders Abby Parent, Grace Briggs, Jordyn Turner and Samantha Highley held firm. Freshman Emily Laubauskas proved support.

“We need to spread out because the middle of the field was too crowded,” Mountain Valley coach Lynn Gould said. ‘We (adjusted) by getting the ball outside.”

Klein received the ball on the right side, chipped the ball over the defense and ran between two Raiders. She regained control of the ball and booted it across the crease in to the far corner. LeAnne McNally assisted on the play with 17:37 remaining in the opening half for the 1-0 advantage.

Mountain Valley held that lead until McNally scored on a penalty kick that caromed off the hands of diving Oak Hill goalie Anna Dodge (14 saves). The PK was awarded after the Falcons’ Adelle Oswald was tackled in the circle 13:50 into the second half.

“They just came out ready to play in the second half,” Gould said. “We are coming together and playing as a team and gaining confidence in their abilities. They have seen in themselves what I have been telling them and trying to get them to see from the start.”

Mountain Valley gained control of the ball and McNally and Hannah Koch used their dribbling skills and speed to pressure the Raiders’ four defenders.

This allowed Klein, Taylor Smart and Abby Mazza to take advantage of crossing passes scored on a direct kick into the far corner of the net, Mazza, Julia Perry and Klein rounded out the scoring.

Oak Hill midfielders Brittany Marquis and Charlotte Waterman had limited success driving the ball in to the offensive end.

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