The Alvirne High School girls’ soccer team opened its 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Concord High School Crimson Tide.
The game was fairly evenly matched, with both teams working their way into the offensive end throughout the contest.
Concord got on the scoreboard first, taking a 1-0 lead with nine minutes remaining in the first half on a perfectly placed free kick that sailed just out of reach and over the head of Alvirne goalkeeper Samara Bryant.
The game remained 1-0 well into the second half, despite the Broncos continuing to pressure the Concord defense. With 18 minutes remaining, freshman Avery Newton broke through with Alvirne’s first goal of the season to even the score.
The Broncos continued to apply pressure, and the go-ahead goal came off the foot of junior Celia Fain, who converted a penalty kick with 16 minutes remaining.
Head coach Kevin Brassard credited the team’s midfield and defense for the victory.
“Cassie Adams and Celia Fain played great in the midfield and the Broncos defense had a very good game,” Brassard said.
Bryant made six saves in goal to help preserve the 2-1 victory.
Two days later, however, the Broncos faced a much tougher challenge when they traveled to Derry to take on the strong Pinkerton Academy Astros.
Pinkerton controlled possession for much of the game and limited the Alvirne offense to just one shot on goal.
The result was a 6-0 Pinkerton victory, with Courtney Russell scoring twice and Ellie Trainito, Riley McClellan, Ella Kubat and Mo Smith each adding a goal.
The Broncos trailed by just two goals at halftime, but were unable to generate much offensive pressure in the second half as Pinkerton continued to control the game.
Alvirne will look to add to its win total this week, with a home game against the Windham 2-0 Jaguars on Tuesday followed by a Thursday afternoon trip to Merrimack High School where they will play the 1-1-1 Tomahawks.
