Youth soccer: Lewiston and Edward Little settle for draw in rivalry showdown

AUBURN — Edward Little and Lewiston drew 1-1 in Thursday’s men’s soccer game at Central Maine Community College, thanks to physical play, high emotion and a second-half goal.

Shafi Ibrahim scored for the Blue Devils and Tudum Monday scored for the Red Eddies.

The teams will try to settle this year’s rivalry when they meet again at the regular season finale in Lewiston on October 18th.

After almost half a scoreless play, Ibrahim scored the first goal with a low shot to the right side of the net across the goal after being tipped by Edward Little goalkeeper Eli St. Laurent to give Lewiston a 1-1. gave a lead of -0. 2:30 remaining in the first half.

“You get that energy after you score a goal,” Lewiston coach Dan Gish said. “They had a lot of opportunities, but Eli made it difficult for you. Like any goal, it bounces a bit on the step.”

Outside of the goal near the end of the first half, neither team had much luck with a shot over the net. Lewiston had the majority of possession in the half and although he had four corners his kicks, he could only manage one goal.

Edward Little manager Max Thompson said: “We were one point behind, but we were pretty happy with our first-half standings. “We really tried not to let Shafi beat us. A player, and the way he played, he left us and did what a good player would do.”

After halftime, we were physically better.

Edward Little’s senior Campbell Cassidy got a yellow card at 8:30 in the second half. The game remained physical throughout, with multiple fouls being called on both teams.

Edward Little High School’s Ben Cole receives the ball from Lewiston High School’s Ahmed Aboule at Auburn’s Central Maine Community College on Thursday. Darrin Slover/Sun Journal

Thompson expected a physical game due to the style of play of Class A youth soccer.

“We just played Mount Ararat. They’re physical. We’ve seen Camden Hills and they’re physical and at this level they’re going to be physical,” Thompson said. “A lot of these guys are going big time.”

Gish, on the other hand, was OK for most of the physical play.

“Men are used to their bodies to some degree,” Gish said. “When you’re trying to get the ball, I understand there’s contact. When you’re out without the ball, you have to be really careful. It’s a tactic, but our man. We are tough kids just like (Red Eddies).

Edward Little takes a corner kickLeft in regulation forced out by Lewiston defenders. The ball went outside the penalty box and found defender Tudum’s right foot on Monday, firing a shot into the flank of the goal to tie the game at 1–1 with 1:57 remaining.

“All I saw was a defensive player kicking out with a minute left,” said Monday. “It was one point and I could see the ball. I was up instead of back, the ball was coming, I touched it and it blew up and the boom went in. Basically that’s the story.

Monday’s goal ultimately forced overtime.

“A draw is better than a loss,” Thompson said. “I’ve struggled in extra time in the past, so I’m glad we didn’t lose. “The players are trying to keep possession and play right, win or lose, just try to get better.”

Lewiston pressed and made several shots in two extra periods, but Saint Laurent fired a corner kick and several defenders stopped the shot to keep the score at 1-1.

The Blue Devils were also optimistic after the outcome.

“I thought we played well on defense,” Gish said. “I thought we were organized and played well offensively. They all play for each other and are a good bunch, and I’m excited for these guys.”

Monday said he saw the efforts the Red Eddies put in in the offseason paid off in Thursday’s game.

“Lewiston is known for being the better team. “We’ve been trying, but people now know we’re undefeated. We’re going to stay humble and keep our heads up.” Shafi scored a good goal but I told everyone that we have to keep going. please look.”

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