Nashua North goalie Stacy Peterson makes a save during Tuesday's loss to Concord.
NASHUA – Giving up four goals in a soccer game isn’t typically considered a strong defensive showing.
But given the circumstances of the Nashua High School North girls soccer team’s 4-0 loss to Concord on Tuesday at Stellos Stadium, Titans coach Elizabeth Fotopoulos saw it as one.
With just 15 varsity players, the Titans are unable to substitute for anyone on their back line, meaning that the starters played all 90 minutes against the Crimson Tide. After leading 2-0 for most of the game, Concord tacked on two more goals in the final 13 minutes as North began to wear down.
“Our defense is solid,” Fotopoulos said. “I have no subs for defense. They’re playing for 90 minutes. There’s only so much time you can be a brick house. We made runs, we got back, and we were tired and sweating and hot.
“Everyone just came together and was outstanding. I’m very proud of everyone.”
Concord scored in the 25th minute on a shot that North goalie Stacy Peterson had no chance to get. The Tide added another score just before halftime on a direct kick from the top of the penalty box.
[Go here for more photos from this game.]
Peterson turned in a solid performance for the Titans, keeping North in the game at times with a some big plays and key saves.
Soyna Theriault played well defensively in front of Peterson, while Angelique Gosselin, Rachel Eaton, Molly Hemond and Tori Sousa also turned in solid performances for the Titans (0-1 in Division I).
North had two potential breakaway chances early in the first half, but neither opportunity could materialize. The Titans had a scoring chance on a corner kick early in the second half, but a shot sailed over the net.
“We have some small things we need to work on,” Fotopoulos said. “Little things that we could do, less touches on the ball, one-touch passes up and down the side of the field. We tend to clump in the middle and those are things we need to work on in practice. These are things we know now.”
North returns to action on Friday at Manchester Memorial.