The ConVal girls’ soccer team opened its season with back-to-back losses against Merrimack Valley and Plymouth.
In the season opener at Merrimack Valley on Sept. 2, the hosts controlled possession throughout the match, keeping ConVal pinned in its defensive half. ConVal’s back line held strong to keep the first half scoreless, but Merrimack Valley broke through 10 minutes after the restart, converting a corner kick that bounced across the goal line. They doubled the lead 10 minutes later and added a third with about 10 minutes left to secure a 3-0 win.
While ConVal generated few scoring opportunities, its best chance came on a 25-yard free kick by Haley Mathewson that skimmed the top of the crossbar.
In their second game of the season, the Cougars hosted Plymouth, who opened the scoring six minutes in with a short corner. Plymouth extended their lead to 2-0 just before halftime on a long-range shot that tucked under the crossbar. ConVal nearly pulled one back 20 minutes in when Mae Hagelberg broke free on goal, but her shot was cleared off the line.
Plymouth scored its third goal off another corner just before the final whistle.
Final scores: Merrimack Valley 3, ConVal 0; Plymouth 3, ConVal 0.