MONMOUTH — The Monmouth Academy boys soccer team has only lost to Winthrop once in the past 15 years. But the Mustangs’ victories over their rival are usually more competitive than Wednesday’s 8-0 result.

Monmouth just played really, really well on its way to a mercy-rule victory.

“They’re a good team. I think they’re better than that,” Monmouth coach Joe Fletcher said of Winthrop. “We played really well today, maybe one of our more complete games. (Winthrop) does bring the best out in us, and it’s been kind of a lopsided affair over the years.”

The game ended 20 minutes early because of Monmouth’s eight-goal lead.

THROW-INS CRUCIAL FOR MONMOUTH

The majority of Monmouth’s goals were set up by throw-ins, specifically by Will Hamel. One of his long throws resulted in the first score of the game. Winthrop coach John Baehr argued that the ball didn’t touch another player before it went in, so the goal should have been waved off, but officials allowed it to stand.

“I think Will Hamel has probably got the most powerful throw in Maine; I mean, it’s unbelievable,” Fletcher said. “It’s such a threat. He’s really flexible and strong, too.”

Baer said that giving up so many goals off throw-ins was a breakdown by the Ramblers’ defense. 

“We’ve got to get better if we want to keep competing against really good programs — the Hall-Dales of the world, the Monmouths of the world. We’ve just got to keep getting better and do better than we did today.”’

Monmouth maintained possession for most of the game. Sophomore Bryce Fletcher, who scored twice, credited the strikers with getting between lines to spread out the defense.

Senior Rory Foyt finished with a game-high three goals. The third was set up by his younger brother, Zane, a sophomore.

“It’s pretty cool,” Rory Foyt said. 

That was one of five assists by Zane Foyt, who is the Mustangs’ leading scorer this season.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

• Monmouth (10-1-1): Rory Foyt (3 goals), Bryce Fletcher (2 goals), Will Hamel (goal, two assists), Tyson Bryant (goal), Noah Schultz (goal), Zayne Foyt (4 assists), Gavin Parsons (four saves on four shots)

• Winthrop (5-5-3): Gianni Haefele (10 saves)

THEY SAID IT 

• “We’re really deep, and we have kids that are committed at a young age. I haven’t had to do a whole lot of fundamental teaching, so we can do more advanced stuff. They come prepared, they’re very athletic. A majority of them work out regularly. It’s been a really fun group to watch.” — Monmouth coach Joe Fletcher

• “We just work hard all the time. You can see it in summer, we’re getting after it, from day one when we come in, every player is working their butt off.” — Monmouth senior Rory Foyt

• “We expect to make it to states, we want to win states, obviously, but there’s some other good teams, so it will be competitive.” — Monmouth sophomore Bryce Fletcher