SACO — The victory bell tolled here Wednesday.

And what a sound it made for second- ranked Thornton Academy, giddy to earn its first trip to the Class A girls´ soccer state final with a 2-1 victory against fourth-seeded Gorham for the Western Maine title.

The Trojans´ explosive transition game outmatched the Rams´ finesse, ending Gorham´ four-year reign in the finals.

"This is absolutely incredible for us," said Trojans Coach Chris Kohl. "It´s only fitting we knock off the flagship team of Western Class A. Everyone strives to beat them."

Ellie Arsenault scored the winning goal with 27:01 to play off a scramble. Her long-arching corner kick was also converted into a first-half goal.

"We knew we had to come out and play," said Arsenault, who wore two pigtails spiking out from her head. "I want to play again tomorrow."

The Trojans (15-1-1) took a 1-0 lead with eight minutes to play in the first half. Danielle Daigle finished off Arsenault´s corner with a one-timer from inside the goalie box.

Gorham (13-3-1) had a 5-1 advantage in corners at the time, and the Rams´ possession-oriented style gave them a slight edge in chances.

The Rams made it 1-1 after 10 minutes of the second half when Audrey Adkinson took a sliding shot off a cross from Lindsay Wilson.

But the Trojans countered less than three minutes later. Arsenault finished a rebound off a scramble.

Gorham closed the game with a number of high-quality chances, including a header by Wilson that went wide, and a one-timer by Shelbi Guimond that sailed over the crossbar.

When time expired the Trojans rushed goalie Sydney Proctor -- all wearing pink socks for breast cancer.

"They´re the Cinderella story this year. Good for them," said Gorham Coach Jeanne Zarilli. "We´ve been on the other side. This is great for soccer in this region and all over Maine."

Zarilli, whose team lost once prior to Thornton Academy this year, said she was impressed by the Trojans´ athleticism and tenacity.

"They play hard every single second," said Zarilli. "We play patient possession and they play fast transition. One style won out today."

Following a short postgame ceremony, the girls sprinted to the school and piled into the lobby to ring the victory bell, once only a tradition for the football team.

For three years the Trojans hadn´t made it past the quarterfinals.

"This is a big step for us," said senior midfielder Elanna Lalezari. "We played with heart. And we proved we can play with anybody.

"I´ve watched us grow in my four years. While any other team might think we are the Cinderella story, we knew we could get here."

Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at:
jmenendez@pressherald.com