Merrimack Valley 3, John Stark 1
Key players: MV – Gavin Wheeler (goal), Ryker Kimball (goal), Souleymane (goal), Maverick Thivierge (assist), Andrew Surprenant (2 assists)
Highlights: The entire defensive line of Andrew Baldwin, Thivierge, Eli Wormald, Jackson Mercer and Bishow Thapa played well in front of keeper Trevor Simonds to lift the Pride to a homecoming victory. Wheeler scored first off a Thivierge throw in. The second goal came in the second half when Surprenant found Kimball making a cutting run to the near post. John Stark answered with about seven minutes to play, but Surpernant put a shot on goal that snuck past the keeper and sat on the goal line before Souleymane was able to touch it into the back of the net.
Coach’s quote: “We came out with energy to start the game and we were able to get one into the back of the net. John Stark continued to fight and kept things close. We need to finish our chances and not let teams hang around with us. All around it was a great team win, but as we get into the second half of the season we have a good amount of work ahead of us.” – MV’s Ken Fuller
Records: MV 4-3-1; John Stark 2-6-0