Bow girls’ soccer continued rolling in its second game of the season against Lebanon High School on Tuesday night with a comfortable 1-0 win. Their defense locked down in a physical game and they played well out of the back to generate many chances.

If it weren’t for the goalkeepers on both ends the score could have been much higher. Lebanon’s goalkeeper, Maezie Angles kept the Falcons at bay throughout the game, and notched 11 saves.

On the other end, sophomore goalkeeper Gwen Barrieau had a relatively simple shutout and a few saves. She played well with the ball at her feet with her defensive backs and helped initiate attacks with long punts. 

The first half was even and ended 0-0. Lebanon’s defensive line was closing in on Bow’s efficient passing and shut down most of their attacks into the final third.

Bow coach Jay Vogt said “We have to be a little more creative with our runs in the final third. We are a little bit too straight down the field. We got to work on changing that up and being a little more patient, looking for those runs to open up.”

In the second half, Bow improved their chances and had clearer shots. The Falcons scored their lone goal after a long run on the left side by sophomore winger Cara Van Dyke, who had many successful dribbles through the defense, but had been unable to create clear chances. She sent a low, driven ball to the near post and striker Ashley Wallen ran in front of her marker to redirect it into the bottom corner.

Bow carried the lead comfortably throughout the half while trying to widen the lead. The Falcons hit the posts twice after the goal, but were unable to crack into the box. Lebanon’s high press, physicality, and consolidated defense prevented them from getting clear shots from close.

The tight margin did not worry Vogt much as Bow looks ahead to compete for its 15th straight final four appearance.

“I think that we reacted well, it was more about us. I think making some bad passes, and then having to drop and being sort of out of position. I think when we had possession and moved it we had our better shape,” he said.

Bow has now started its season 2-0 and will play its next three games on the road at Keene, Laconia and Merrimack Valley.