Cumberland’s girls soccer team earned another night on the postseason stage Wednesday, defeating Chariho 2–1 at home to advance to the Division I semifinals. A strong season now stretches into November, with the Clippers one win away from playing for a championship.
Freshman Shea Maher and junior Miya Garland supplied Cumberland’s goals, while senior Paynter Maher contributed an assist. It was another reminder of how much this group has working together: younger players stepping into meaningful roles, seniors contributing to the attack and a shared opportunity to keep the season going.
Garland delivered the game-winner on a 35-yard free kick in the second half, putting Cumberland back in front for the 2–1 victory. In a game with so little room between advancing and going home, her goal made the difference.
The work at the other end mattered just as much.
Freshman goalkeeper Francesca Stoothoff finished with four saves to help secure the victory. The scoring gets its place in the highlights, and Stoothoff deserves hers alongside it. Cumberland needed the finish that established the advantage and the goalkeeping that helped make it stand.
Chariho had lost the earlier meeting 4–1, but the Chargers made this quarterfinal a much closer assignment. Cumberland came through with another answer, adding a playoff win to a season that has already shown this team’s talent and resilience.
That combination is what makes the next step so exciting. This group has given itself a real opportunity, and it has earned that opportunity together.
Next up is Rhode Island College on Tuesday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m. The second-seeded Clippers will face the winner of the quarterfinal between No. 3 Lincoln and No. 6 Mt. Hope, with a berth in the Division I championship game on the line.
The challenge will grow with the occasion. Cumberland will need to carry its scoring threats, support around the ball and defensive effort into another demanding match. Wednesday’s narrow margin was a reminder of how much each contribution can matter once the playoffs arrive.
There is something special about getting to this point with the same group that put in the work all fall. For the seniors, the win extends their time in a Cumberland uniform. For the younger players, it adds meaningful postseason experience alongside teammates they will remember long after this season ends.
These are the weeks that turn a good season into memories that last a lifetime. The games carry more weight. The time together becomes a little more valuable. And this group has earned another chance to enjoy both.
November 3. Rhode Island College. A place in the championship game waiting to be earned.