CANAAN — The Mascoma Valley Regional High boys soccer team, coming off a season in which it finished as the NHIAA Division III runner-up, started this fall slowly by dropping its first three games. But the Royals picked up their first win of the season in their home opener Wednesday, routing Somersworth, 7-0.
The rough start was not unexpected, as the Royals lost nine of 11 starters from last year’s squad. On Wednesday, though, Mascoma looked polished, led by senior captain Bryce Ballou, who scored four goals and added an assist.
Freshman Ian Massecar also contributed with two goals, including his first varsity score. Senior captain Jacob Rayno added a goal, while junior Cole Clark and sophomore Nic Defelice each had an assist.
Head coach Stuart Kinsman, in his second year leading Mascoma, acknowledged the slow start. The Royals opened the season with a 4-2 loss to a strong Kearsarge side, but Kinsman said the following defeats — 3-1 to Newfound and 3-2 to Belmont — were missed opportunities.
“We led in both games and just didn’t perform the way we’re capable of,” Kinsman said.
Wednesday’s win gave him reason for optimism.
“I think something that’s extremely promising is looking at how we did today — building off our lead, defending our 18. Our back line looked extremely strong, and we were able to build out of the back much better,” Kinsman said.
The Royals also used the lopsided scoreline to rotate players after battling through some in-game injuries. Kinsman said giving his bench extended minutes was a big plus.
“Being able to connect passes, get into the right spaces and realize you have the ability — a game like this is paramount for the development of those players,” he said.
Mascoma struck first about 15 minutes in on Massecar’s goal, but Somersworth hung around until late in the first half. With fewer than four minutes before halftime, Ballou scored his first, Rayno added one from more than 10 yards past midfield, and Ballou struck again to give the Royals a 4-0 lead at the break.
Ballou completed his hat trick less than a minute into the second half, then added another goal later. Massecar scored again before the final whistle to cap the 7-0 victory.
“Every single game has been a step forward, and this felt like two steps, which was excellent to see,” Kinsman said. “The boys wanted it, and the boys needed it.”
The Royals (1-3) continue their season Friday at home against Trinity, a team they tied early last year before beating, 3-1, later in the 2024 season.
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