CARIBOU, Maine — Evan Richards played high school soccer at Presque Isle and coached the Wildcats junior varsity team the past three seasons. Now he’s a Viking after taking over as the boys varsity coach for Andre Rossignol, who moved to southern Maine.
“Caribou was a great opportunity to take the next step and coach at the varsity level,” said Richards. “Caribou has a great set of soccer players and I knew they would have the talent to compete at the highest level within Class B. It’s an honor to coach [the team] and I’m really looking forward to what the season has to bring.”
The Vikings have experienced some success in soccer, even making it all the way to the state championship game in 2019, but struggled last year to a winless record.
However, with eight starters returning, Richards believes improvement is imminent.
“The athletes have impressed me a lot since the summer began, with huge improvements in ball skills and knowledge of the game,” said the coach. “They continue to impress me every practice, learning and mastering new skills after each training session.”
Richards’ starting lineup to begin the campaign will consist of senior captain Henry Hebert, a transfer from Van Buren, at striker, with senior captain Connor Dodd and junior Sam Hebert, another Van Buren transfer, playing the offensive midfield positions. Sophomore Landon Albair and freshman Owen Corrigan are at left and right midfield, respectively.
Sophomore Tristan Robbins plays stopper, while senior captain Jude Shea is slotted at defensive midfield. Sophomore Edison Sleeper plays left back and sophomore Dawson St. Pierre is the right back.
Another sophomore, Damarion Gagnon, is the sweeper in front of sophomore goalkeeper Logan White.
Looking to play key roles off the bench are senior striker Konnor Huckins, senior offensive mid Devin Wright, junior left back Kyle Labreck, junior sweeper Keegan Bell, junior left mid Mason St. Peter, junior right mid Dylan Bouchard, sophomore striker Evan Durepo and freshman goalkeeper/center mid Carsen Richards.
Richards is being assisted by Kennard Brown. Parker Adams and Parker Roy are the team’s managers.
“We are setting our sights to make a deep playoff run and host playoff games,” Richards said. “Success will come from hard work, dedication and commitment to our goals.”
