Last Tuesday night, Caribou girls’ soccer hosted the Presque Isle girls’ team. The Vikings and Wildcats went head to head for the second time this season, and despite wind and rain, both teams were supported by a number of fans.
Because it was Caribou’s final home game, senior team players were recognized before the game. Team managers Katie Bell and Kayla Scurman, and Victoria Dorman were recognized as well as players Katie Ouellette, Tori Wong, Emily Collins, Amanda Cyr, Victoria Dorman, Megan Bossie, Meg Bosse and Kristen Espling.
Though Caribou started the game with possession, the Wildcats dominated the first half, consistently driving the ball up the field. Wildcat Hannah Cheney scored the first goal of the game from just outside the penalty box, unassisted. Caribou’s Liz Barbosa had a near shot on goal when PI keeper Kellsey Park stepped out early, and Caribou also had a direct kick but was unable to complete the shot. With 15 minutes left in the first half, Sarah Porter soared one into the net for Presque Isle, off an assist from Jenna Stephenson, ending the half at 2-0 Wildcats.
Kayla Legassie of Presque Isle scored twice in the second half, assisted by Chelsea Nickerson and Sarah Porter, respectively. Though Abby Small had a close shot on goal for Caribou, the Vikings were unable to score at all during the game. Stephenson scored the final goal for Presque Isle, ending the game with a final score of Wildcats 5, Vikings 0.
Viking keeper Brittany Doak has been starting for the past three years. Now a junior, Doak has been a strong asset to the team throughout the season and despite last Tuesday night’s loss, Doak ended the game with 16 saves out of an overall 28 shots on goal.
With the season drawing to a close, and playoffs beginning as soon as next week, both coaches will be working on specific areas of improvement. The Wildcats primary goal is to improve on field spacing and distance. Presque Isle Coach Ralph Michaud reflected on the source of the Wildcat’s motivation throughout the season.
“It’s been a team effort,” he said, explaining that each of the 18 field players have scored at least once throughout the season. “We have six seniors on the team since they were freshmen.” Michaud described those seniors as “mini-coaches,” able to anticipate plays and direct fellow teammates when needed.
Viking coach Todd Albert also commented on the game. “I thought we had some good scoring opportunities, but were unable to get a good shot off or finish. If we could have scored one early on, I think it could have been a different game because we could have built some momentum …we have to do a better job defensively so we do not give up so many shots and stay on our marks better.”
The Vikings are already seeing improvement on the field, with their most recent 1-0 win against Madawaska Friday night. The defense is already beginning to come together, something Albert has been working towards.
“To be successful in the playoffs we need to be able to defend better and finish our scoring chances. We are practicing playing quicker in practice, and (we need to) do a better job of making the right passes at the proper time. It’s a process of possessing the ball in the midfield and offensive area, and getting the ball out of the defensive danger zone.”
Both teams are preparing for the playoffs, with the final Heal Points in Eastern Maine Class B to be released today.
Because it was Caribou’s final home game, senior team players were recognized before the game. Team managers Katie Bell and Kayla Scurman, and Victoria Dorman were recognized as well as players Katie Ouellette, Tori Wong, Emily Collins, Amanda Cyr, Victoria Dorman, Megan Bossie, Meg Bosse and Kristen Espling.
Though Caribou started the game with possession, the Wildcats dominated the first half, consistently driving the ball up the field. Wildcat Hannah Cheney scored the first goal of the game from just outside the penalty box, unassisted. Caribou’s Liz Barbosa had a near shot on goal when PI keeper Kellsey Park stepped out early, and Caribou also had a direct kick but was unable to complete the shot. With 15 minutes left in the first half, Sarah Porter soared one into the net for Presque Isle, off an assist from Jenna Stephenson, ending the half at 2-0 Wildcats.
Kayla Legassie of Presque Isle scored twice in the second half, assisted by Chelsea Nickerson and Sarah Porter, respectively. Though Abby Small had a close shot on goal for Caribou, the Vikings were unable to score at all during the game. Stephenson scored the final goal for Presque Isle, ending the game with a final score of Wildcats 5, Vikings 0.
Viking keeper Brittany Doak has been starting for the past three years. Now a junior, Doak has been a strong asset to the team throughout the season and despite last Tuesday night’s loss, Doak ended the game with 16 saves out of an overall 28 shots on goal.
With the season drawing to a close, and playoffs beginning as soon as next week, both coaches will be working on specific areas of improvement. The Wildcats primary goal is to improve on field spacing and distance. Presque Isle Coach Ralph Michaud reflected on the source of the Wildcat’s motivation throughout the season.
“It’s been a team effort,” he said, explaining that each of the 18 field players have scored at least once throughout the season. “We have six seniors on the team since they were freshmen.” Michaud described those seniors as “mini-coaches,” able to anticipate plays and direct fellow teammates when needed.
Viking coach Todd Albert also commented on the game. “I thought we had some good scoring opportunities, but were unable to get a good shot off or finish. If we could have scored one early on, I think it could have been a different game because we could have built some momentum …we have to do a better job defensively so we do not give up so many shots and stay on our marks better.”
The Vikings are already seeing improvement on the field, with their most recent 1-0 win against Madawaska Friday night. The defense is already beginning to come together, something Albert has been working towards.
“To be successful in the playoffs we need to be able to defend better and finish our scoring chances. We are practicing playing quicker in practice, and (we need to) do a better job of making the right passes at the proper time. It’s a process of possessing the ball in the midfield and offensive area, and getting the ball out of the defensive danger zone.”
Both teams are preparing for the playoffs, with the final Heal Points in Eastern Maine Class B to be released today.
