Cougars couldn’t break through Bulldog defense

The No. 7 Katahdin Cougars finished their season with a 2-0 quarterfinal loss to No. 2 Machias in Harrington last Wednesday.
“The game was well played by both teams,” said Katahdin coach Matt Lindsay.
    The Cougars outshot the Bulldogs, 15-10, but couldn’t find a way to break through Machias’ defense.
“They are known for taking eight or nine players and sticking them into the 18,” Lindsay explained.  “Basically, their defenders get in the way of shots. We couldn’t find an opening to get a shot through and into the goal.”
Machias’ first goal came on a direct kick from 35 yards out. Katahdin goalie Jesse McNally blocked the initial shot, but then Machias’ Jacob Scoville headed the ball free in front of the goal where teammate Tyler Prout sent the rebound in for the score, with 18:41 left in the first half.
“Jesse made a great first save,” Lindsay said. “We tried to play the offside trap on the play, but unfortunately, we didn’t execute it well enough to get the call.”
Machias’ Scoville then added an insurance goal with 21:38 left in the second half on what Lindsay described as a “well-placed shot to the lower left 90.”
“Their player shot the ball in heavy traffic,” Lindsay explained. “Because of the number of people in front of the goal, our goalie couldn’t see the ball until it was too late. He made a great last second dive for the ball, but just couldn’t get a hand on it.”
McNally finished the game turning back four of 10 shots faced for the 9-6-1 Cougars, while Machias’ A.J. Dolley made five saves on 13 shots.
“Overall, we played a great game against a number-two seed,” Lindsay said. “We went down there and gave it our best shot. And, as a coach, that is all I can ask for. I am really proud of how much this team improved from the first game of the season until now. I am already looking forward to next season.”