DANFORTH, Maine — The East Grand boys and girls soccer teams are hoping to make big strides on the field this season. And with a bundle of returning players, both Viking squads could be one of the brighter surprises in the Class D north region.
For the girls, veteran coach Chris Young has 10 returning starters from last year’s squad that finished 3-10-1.
“If we can score goals with our improved front line we should be competitive in every game we play, that should result in more wins,” Young said.
Returning this year are senior captains Hannah Crone and Paige Young, both have played midfield for the Vikings since the eighth grade and bring a wealth of veteran leadership to the team.
Joining those two as a captain is junior Haleigh Shay, who was one of the team’s top scorers last year. Shay will patrol the center of the field as either a striker or center midfielder.
“Haleigh has the ability to score from anywhere over midfield,” coach Young said.
Juniors Kianna Caissie and Emili Russell also return with considerable soccer experience. Russell has played fullback her entire high school career and will help the defense considerably, while Caissie makes the switch from forward to goalkeeper this year.
The Vikings have four sophomores — Jennifer Crone, Sydney Cowger, Mallory Gilman and Morgan Crone. Jennifer Crone, a front line player, led the team in scoring with nine goals last season and will be looked upon to keep up her strong scoring pace this year. Cowger will likely see time along the front line. Gilman will serve as a defensive stalwart in the stopper position play, but could see some time at the midfield position. Morgan Crone makes an adjustment from fullback to sweeper this season.
The lone freshman is Jordyn Cowger, who saw plenty of time on the field as an eighth-grader last year. A versatile and talented athlete, she can play nearly every spot on the field, including goalie, and may be called to do so at time this season the coach said.
“As with every season East Grand’s fortunes will also rely on a group of eighth-graders who will play both middle school and high school games,” coach Young said.
The eighth grade class features Madisyn Oliver, Natalie Golding and Faith Lindsey. The trio will be called upon to play considerable minutes on defense and in the midfield, the coach said.
On the boys’ team, coach Shaun Beaudoin returns for his second season at the helm. Much like the girls’ team, the Viking boys have a bundle of experienced and skilled soccer players returning this year.
The Vikings will be led by seniors Wyatt Oliver (forward/fullback), Philip Farley (striker), Peter Apgar (midfield) and Josh Jones (forward). Those four will provide the anchor and leadership for the team, according the Beaudoin.
The talented group of juniors includes Thomas Gilman (goalkeeper), Brady McEwen (midfield/forward) and Lendin Stoddard (fullback). All three have played considerable time over their careers.
Sophomore Matthew Apgar, and freshmen Matthew Cropley and Noah Sixberry will give the Vikings some much-needed depth. And much like the girls team, the boys squad will rely on eighth-graders to assist. Making the team are Matthew Shay, Benji Gilman and Anthony Starks.
“The key will be playing together and playing smart soccer” Beaudoin said.
East Grand opens its season at Shead of Eastport 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.
