FAIRFIELD — The Lawrence boys soccer team won its first game of the season Wednesday, holding off Waterville 3-2 in a Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class A game.

The Bulldogs (1-1-2) held a 3-1 lead early in the second half, then started to fall back defensively, giving Waterville (1-2-1) a chance to attack. The Purple Panthers consistently pressured the Lawrence goal during the final 20 minutes of the game. 

Additional Photos

Staff photo by Michael G. Seamans Waterville Senior High School goalie Zachary Disch, left, tries to make a save on a header from Lawrence High School's Drew Bois, 9, right, in the first half of soccer action at Lawrence High School in Fairfield Tuesday night.

 “Our team really came together in the second half,”  Waterville coach Kerry Serdjenian said.  “We had 11 guys giving 100 percent.”

Waterville’s Danilo Guthro and Thomas Samson were constantly winning challenges in the middle of the field, helping the Panthers rally. Samson got Waterville within one with a shot from 12 yards out on the right side with 19:02 left in the game.

 “We got a lot of offensive punch out of Danilo and Thomas,” Serdjenian said.  “This was one of those games that showed what we are capable of.”

Waterville continued to pressure, hitting a number of shots at the Lawrence goal but failing in the end to put the ball on target. The Panthers finished with eight second half shots but only four on goal.

 “We have seen the strength of the league in our first four games,”  Lawrence coach Bob Towne said.  “I think we have played well against it. It’s our first win and every game we have continued to progress and get better.

Lawrence scored three straight goals after Waterville took a 1-0 lead five minutes into the game when Michael Oliveria touched in a long pass from Kaleb Kane. 

Two minutes later, Nick Blomerth tied the game. The Bulldogs speed and quickness were key in the first half as Matt Saunders and Drew Bois lead the transition game. Saunders gave Lawrence the lead when he found the back of the net with a powerful left-footed shot after taking a long pass from Zach Blomerth with 14:19 left in the first half.

“We distributed the ball well from the middle of the field out,”  Towne said.  “It’s something we have been trying to do and it showed progress in this game. “

Bois made it 3-1 when he scored from 12 yards out at 37:47.

Lawrence finished the game with a 16-13 shot advantage. Lawrence goalkeeper Zachary Alley finished with two saves while Waterville keeper Zachary Disch made six saves.

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