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LEWISTON — David Francisco spent the majority of Tuesday’s game praying for an opportunity to score.
His chance came with less that 10 minutes remaining and Lewiston and Brunswick tied. Mechi Mbele dribbled the ball through Brunswick defenders and sent a pass to Pedro Sebastiao, who found Francisco for an open shot that became the decisive goal as Lewiston won a duel of top Class A North boys soccer teams, 3-2.
“I didn’t feel pressure, because I’m No. 9,” said Francisco, a junior who wears No. 9. “That’s my job, to finish. No pressure.”
Lewiston coach Dan Gish said Francisco is a sneaky and reliable closer for the Blue Devils.
“David, he’s like a, it’s probably not the right term, but he’s like that lion that’s waiting in the grass,” Gish said. “Then, when you least expect it — boom — that’s when he comes through in the clutch. It’s great.”
PHYSICALITY AND FAMILIARITY
Tuesday’s game was physical on both sides of the ball. Several players went down with minor injuries during the game, which Gish and Brunswick coach Mark Roma said is common in contests between two of the state’s top teams.
“We’ve got a long history with these guys during the season. It seems like we see them every year in the playoffs, too,” Roma said. “Dan’s a great coach, the kids are ready to play, and we know we’re in for it every time we come here. We just, unfortunately, didn’t get the job done tonight, but I feel good about our chances going forward.”
The victory moves the Blue Devils (7-1-1), who are ranked fifth in the Varsity Maine boys soccer poll, to the top of the Class A North Heal point standings. The Dragons (7-2) are fourth in the Varsity Maine poll and third in the standings.
The teams meet again a week from Friday in Brunswick.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
• Lewiston: Jimmy Morgan (goal), Yussuf Ali (goal), David Francisco (goal), Will Diamond-Stanic (5 saves)
• Brunswick: Oliver Gorchoff (goal), Liam Rapoza (goal), Declan Theberge (7 saves)
THEY SAID IT
• “We have some kids that are quality defenders, and we have some exceptional kids that can play the wing. It’s how you do things tactically, we try and change things up, not to do the same thing all the time. Our guys have good vision, and we’re a possession team, so we’ll try and wait you out, and then we’ll find you, but we have that acceleration piece.” — Lewiston coach Dan Gish
• “I think Liam (Rapoza) is one of the best midfielders in the state. He’s a playmaker. The way he sees the field, it’s incredible.” — Brunswick coach Mark Roma
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