GORHAM — Sometimes taking a few steps back is the best way to move forward.

Just ask Gorham senior Lauren Chouinard.

"I just want to win," Chouinard said. "It doesn´t really matter for me where I am on the field, as long as I´m making an impact."

At 5-foot-1, Chouinard usually finds herself among the shortest players on the soccer field. But for Gorham, the fourth seed in the Western Class A playoffs, no one has stood taller.

Ever since the Rams (13-2-1) suffered the first defeat on their home field since 2004 – a 2-0 loss in early October to today´s regional final opponent, No. 2 Thornton Academy (14-1-1) – Chouinard has returned to her defensive roots to stabilize a young backfield that includes sophomores Allie Lurvey, Lindsey Smith and Sierra Peters, as well as junior Megan Taylor and senior Abbie Adkinson in front of a sophomore goalkeeper (Sarah Perkins), none of whom started a year ago when Gorham played in its fifth consecutive state championship game.

"They do a great job, but sometimes it´s good to have that veteran voice back there helping you," said senior midfielder Kristi Zarrilli. "She´s not afraid to open her mouth and tell you what to do."

In previous years, players such as Caitlyn Butterfield and Kelsey Wilson provided the vocal senior leadership. This fall, Zarrilli said, it had been rather quiet. Chouinard, after two years at sweeper, moved up in the field to prepare for a college career that likely will see her at forward or outside midfielder.

College backs, Chouinard said with a grin, are often more than a foot taller than she is.

"She just wanted to do a little more, to grow more as a player," said Gorham Coach Jeanne Zarrilli.

"A number of these seniors are going to go on to play in college. I said to them, ´If you´re going to play something else in college, this is the year I´d be happy to help you work on that position.´ "

After a period of adjustment, Chouinard settled in to her new role. She scored a few goals. Assisted on a few more. She is fast, and had experience playing attack for premier teams and in junior high.

Gorham opened the season with a tie against Cheverus. The Rams lost a 2-1 decision at Scarborough, but won six other games through the end of September.

"I had a hard time learning where the goal was, and not to shoot (the ball) 30 yards over because I´m used to clearing it from the back," Chouinard said.

"Right before I switched from offense back to defense, I learned to put it in the net a little better."

The 2-0 loss to Thornton Academy prompted Coach Zarrilli to make a change.

In a game of contrasting styles, Gorham´s patient, ball-control strategy fizzled against Thornton´s quick-strike transition attack.

At practice the next day, Zarrilli asked Chouinard for defensive help.

Chouinard didn´t hesitate.

"She reads the game really well from the back," Zarrilli said. "She´s a natural leader. She´s very vocal. And she knows that´s where she´s needed.

"I don´t mean to take away from our other defenders, who are all very capable. It´s just that Lauren´s got that personality. She´s kind of like a lioness in the back."

In the five regular-season games following the loss to Thornton, Chouinard played one half on defense and the other on offense.

Gorham outscored those five opponents, 26-0.

Then came the tournament, and Chouinard remained at sweeper as Gorham edged No. 5 Cheverus 2-1 and turned back No. 9 Marshwood 4-1 after the Hawks knocked off top-seeded Scarborough.

"She´s one of the top two or three sweepers in the state because of her speed," said Marshwood Coach Bob Pierce. "With her in the back, she makes (Gorham) a tough nut to crack."

This afternoon in Saco the Rams will get one more crack at Thornton, with a state title berth on the line.

Whatever happens, don´t expect to see Chouinard looking longingly up the field.

"I see the runs and stuff, but I focus now on setting up my forwards," she said.

"Like I said, I just want to win. I don´t care if our goalie punts one from (our end) into the other goal. I don´t care how it happens. My main focus is to win."

Staff Writer Glenn Jordan can be contacted at 791-6425 or at:
gjordan@pressherald.com