The Crimson Tide’s girls’ soccer team lost the lead it built in the first half to a relentless Winnacunnet team, but the game showed promising things to come.

Concord girls’ soccer received Winnacunnet at Memorial Field on a hot Thursday, hoping for its second win of the season, but it wasn’t to be as the Warriors came away with a 3-2 victory.

“I hope they turn it on for Saturday. We got a quick turnaround time. We play on Saturday against Nashua South here,” said head coach Andrew Mattarazzo after the loss. “Hopefully the frustration kicks in there, kicks them behind and gets them going.”

Winnacunnet was able to turn over the 2-1 deficit it faced with two goals in the second half, and with a lucky late goal in a physically demanding back-and-forth game.

The game was an offensive battle the entire 80 minutes and the sidelines full of fans roared with emotion, and with contentious criticism against calls made by referees.

Winnacunnet opened the scoring with a long looping strike by forward Isla Christie but Concord was able to respond shortly after.

Senior defender Nevaeh Kalapinski shot her own beautiful looper that squeezed under the crossbar on a free kick from near midfield to equalize.

With 10 minutes to go in the first half, Concord’s sophomore midfielder Kate Dickson sent a looping cross in from a corner that forward sophomore Laura Vitoria smashed in with her right foot through a mob of defenders.

Set pieces were crucial for the Tide. 

“I think that was a big thing for us in the first half. Getting to the end lines, crossing balls, putting balls in the boxes, creating havoc, and our girls proved that, two good goals,” said Mattarazzo.

The second half was a different story, and although goalkeeper Camryn Dubois notched seven great saves it wasn’t enough to hold the result.

Winnacunnet equalized early in the second half. There were corners and free kicks galore on both ends that were shut down by defenders.

Despite the back line of Hannah Brown, Kalapinski, Kaylee Dellolacono and Makayla Root playing an extremely physical and smart game, the few chances that fell to Winnacunnet were converted.

“Our defense has been playing well this year. I know some of the results have not shown that. Cam in goal has been doing well this year for us” said the Tide’s head coach. “We got to keep building on that and keep going.”

The Warriors scored their winner after a cross hit the post and was knocked in during the scramble for it in the box by junior Mia Lantagne.

“We had some heavy legs,” said Nick O’Brien, the Winnacunnet’s head coach. “I said you got 40 minutes to turn it around right now, the energy levels were not where we like it.”

The Tide had six shots on target in the second half but could not find the back of the net. Dickson was connecting well and creating chances with her forwards to spark an equalizer. The Warriors’ keeper had a game-winning save on a shot by forward Laura Vitoria and the Tide were stopped.

Overall, the Tide had a good showing despite the result.

“I think this was probably one of the best, probably the best game that our girls have played all year from start to finish,” said Mattarazzo.