The Dartmouth High and Bishop Stang girls soccer teams met on Thursday for their first of two contests scheduled for the 2022 season.

In this initial Battle of Slocum Road, victory went to the Indians, who bested the rival Spartans 2-0 at Memorial Stadium.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Dartmouth High Head Coach Scot Boudria said. “Can’t beat that rivalry — Stang’s always a good opponent.”

Both teams spent much of the first half trading scoring chances, only to be stopped at the goal line.

It was a crucial Stang penalty midway through the half, and quick legs from freshman Avianna Andrade, that finally put Dartmouth ahead.

“Her nickname is ‘Flash’ for a reason,” Boudria said with a smirk. “She’s got high energy and works really hard — she’s one of the better freshmen I’ve ever seen.”

The second half was a repeat of the first, with the rivals constantly battling for possession at midfield.

Bishop Stang had a chance to tie with a corner kick midway in the second, but the ball went just wide of the Dartmouth net.

Following the turnover, junior Sarah Kelly made it 2-0 for the Indians. 

The Spartans would threaten again, but junior goalkeeper Lindsey Klein refused to let anything past her.

While content with the win, the Indians’ coach  said he’d like to see his team work on their passing and upping the physicality while still playing within the rules.

“We need to do a better job,” he said. “We can’t get stupid penalties, because some teams could make us pay for those.’

Dartmouth High, which is now 1-1 on the season, will next host Brockton High at Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Bishop Stang, which is 0-1, travels to Arlington Catholic High for its next match on Monday, Sept. 12.