Lewiston picks up come from behind win over Broncos

HAMPDEN - The Hampden Academy boys soccer team opened their 2019 regular season with a tough draw on Thursday night. Facing the 2018 State Class A champion Lewiston Blue Devils, the Broncos forced their opponent to come from behind as Lewiston scored two second half goals to defeat Hampden 2-1 at the Weatherbee Complex.

Hampden's Sean McQuilken (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a mutual season-opening game in Hampden Thursday night. Lewiston won the game 2-1. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

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Hampden opened the scoring when Sean McQuilken converted a Penalty Kick with 9:08 left on the clock in the first half. That would wind up being the lone score of the game for the Broncos, who took a 1-0 lead into the half time break.

 Hampden's Marc Fachiol takes a practice kick during warm ups prior to the game. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

Lewiston, trailing by a goal when the second half of play opened, battled back to tie the game at 1-1  when freshman midfielder Khalid Hersi scored from just outside the 18 yard line with 26:31 remaining in the game.

Lewiston's Khalid Hersi (8) reacts after scoring the tying goal in the second half. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

As the Blue Devils continued to dominate the flow of the game in the second half, they were able to apply constant pressure which led to the game winning score. Senior Bilal Hersi unloaded a shot that caromed off the right post all the way across to the left corner of the net to give Lewiston a 2-1 lead and the eventual winning score with just over 19 minutes left in the game.

 Lewiston's Bilal Hersi (10) celebrates after scoring the eventual winning goal in the second half.  (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

Hampden Academy will travel to Augusta for their next game, taking on Cony High School on Tuesday, September 10 at 3:30 p.m.

Lewiston travels to Norway to play Oxford Hills in their next contest on Wednesday, September 11 at 3:30 p.m.

Hampden's Robert Buzzini gets set to make a throw in. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

Hampden goal keeper Colby Small makes an outstanding save near the end of the first half. (Photo by Skip Hawkes)

LEWISTON (1-0)  0 - 2 -- 2

HAMPDEN  (0-1)  1 - 0 -- 1