Junne McIntyre had a day for the record books netting five goals for Troy Howard Middle School in a 6-2 win over the host Wolverines on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 9.

If soccer games were decided by halves, the Wolverines would have actually won because they outscored the Lions 2-1 in the second half. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works, although Wiscasset did play a lot better on both ends of the field as the game progressed.

Conditions were sunny, hot, and very humid for the opening kickoff won by Wiscasset. Ninety seconds into the game, McIntyre broke free, then dribbled between two defenders and scored. Her shot rolled just beyond the reach of Wolverine keeper Lilly Souza.

Almost before the dust settled McIntyre found the net for her second goal. She got a hat trick before halftime.

About midway into the half, the Lions made it 4-0. After the Wolverines were whistled for a penalty just outside the 18-yard line, the ensuing direct kick deflected off Belfast’s Aliesha Berube and bounced into the net. It was just a bad break for Wiscasset. With four minutes left McIntyre then netted her fourth goal, a nice shot low to the right post to put her team up 5-0.

Wiscasset had three or four first half scoring opportunities, the best coming as the final minute was ticking down. Cala Viele, on the right wing, broke free and carried the ball inside the 18-yard line. She caught the Belfast keeper flat-footed but her shot to the near post missed wide right.

The Wolverines played much better on both sides of the field in the second half. Ellie Pratt took over as keeper and Sousa went to midfield. It proved a good tactical move for the red and white. Within a minute after play resumed Wiscasset was on the scoreboard. Viele who had been around the Lions’ net a good deal of the first half found Natalie Potter open in the goal mouth. Potter fired and the ball went over the keeper’s head to put Wiscasset on the scoreboard. The goal picked up the team’s spirits and got a loud round of applause from the Wolverine fans.

Not to be denied, Belfast scored again. Guess who? McIntyre. With the score 6-1 the Wolverines could have given up but instead kept the offensive pressure on. It paid off at the 9:28 mark when Farrah Casey found the net, scoring an unassisted goal with 9:28 left to play.

Neither bench kept a scorebook. Wiscasset’s keepers, Souza and Pratt combined for 15 or so saves. Strange as this sounds Troy Howard’s keepers recorded about the same number.

Afterwards Wolverine Coach Daniela Marino said she felt her offense had played pretty well.

“We had our chances to score and I saw some good teamwork as the game progressed,” she said. The team has a few days off and Coach Marino said she’ll make good use the time to work with the backfield and goalies to improve the defense. The team has a solid roster (about 18 players) which means they’ll only get better as the season progresses.

According to the revised schedule, the team is away for its next game traveling to Oceanside 1, Sept. 17. The Wolverines return for a home game with CRMS Monday, Sept. 21, the boys team plays first.