DIXFIELD — Mt. Abram’s boys’ soccer team has faced its share of adversity early in the season, but it has navigates that road well.

The Roadrunners kept going in the right direction Thursday, spreading the wealth to several different players in a 9-0 win over Dirigo in MVC soccer action at Harlow Park.

Mason Strunk recorded a hat trick and freshmen Even Allen and Tyson Hill each scored two goals in the contest.

Mount Abram (3-1-1) has given up two goals in five games to date, which includes a tie against Hall Dale. Roadrunners goalies Dustin Wells (two saves) and Xavier Romanoski (four saves) each played a half to preserve the shutout.

Mount Abram used a superior passing game and engineered a relentless offensive attack from the outset of the game.

“I think our short passing game was a big difference,” said Mt. Abram coach Darren Allen, who believes in sticking with the same style of play that has been productive. “There was no adjustments made. We had some good ball movement and we’ve got three freshmen up on the front line who drive and the midfield (advances) them the ball.”

Mt. Abram’s offensive pressure paid off when Evan Allen fed Jonathan Jordan, who drilled the ball past Dirigo goalie Justin Grignon 2:46 in to the game. The scoring continued when Hill and Allen each scored unassisted goals. The latter was a rebound that caromed off Grignon’s hands.

This put the sagging Dirigo defense back on its heels. Defenders Colin Woodhead, Nate Child and Wyatt Lufkin were forced to pack it in.

“Our communication on defense has been great,” Allen said. “They have been playing together for three years and know where everyone is going. They are the heart and soul of the team. Sean Allen is like having another coach back there.”

Meanwhile, Dirigo’s chances were few and far between throughout the first half. Freshman Victor Verrill was on a rush, but Roadrunner defender Trevor Chaput sped over and executed a perfect tackle. Woodhead had a free kick from 35 yards, but Wells got his hands out and the ball went over the net. Verrill also had a breakaway shot in the second half.

Strunk scored on a Machaon Henderson assist to make it 4-0. On the play, Grignon suffered a thumb injury and was replaced by Woodhead in goal.

“At halftime I told the guys that they were marking up well,” Dirigo coach Bob Karcher said. “It’s just that Mt. Abram is a very skilled team who can string together passes and have played together for a long time.

“They are well-coached.”

Karcher and Darren Allen were roommates at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Mt. Abram stayed on the attack and Evan Allen scored 1:43 in to the second half. Jordan and Hill combined for a goal six minutes later.

Woodhead made 11 saves, including several cradles on one-on-one shots.

“Colin made some (spectacular) saves,” Karcher said. “We are undermanned and overmatched. We’ve played against some senior-laden teams so far. We are lacking confidence and a feeling for the game. That will hopefully come with more playing together.”

The Cougars were unable to find any open areas in an effort to move the ball.

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