Five local teams will play for state soccer championships on Saturday. Below is a look at each game.
Cheverus (10-4-4) vs. Lewiston (16-0-1)
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Hampden Academy
OUTLOOK: Cheverus, the seventh seed in the West, was just 1-1-4 in its final six regular-season games. Improved goalie Jake Tomkinson, defender Andrei Vile, scoring threat Mackenzie Hoglund and the return of MF Alex Nason (concussion) keyed the Stags’ surprise run. … Lewiston, making its first state title appearance since 1991, has speed across the field. Abdi Shariff and Abdulkarim Abdulle (2 goals in 27 seconds in the Eastern final win against Mt. Ararat) lead the offense with Mike Wong, Ibrahim Hussein and Zakariya Abdulle the top defenders.
CLASS B BOYS
Yarmouth (13-2-2) vs. Ellsworth (16-0-1)
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday
WHERE: Deering High School
OUTLOOK: These are two No. 1 seeds with strong traditions that last reached the state final in 2010 (won by Yarmouth). Ellsworth had to travel to Falmouth for that title game, which also started at 10 a.m. … Led by dynamic finisher Adam LaBrie (24 goals), Yarmouth has a 26-4 scoring edge in its last eight games. Walter Conrad is the Clippers’ defensive rock with a big foot on free kicks. “You can’t get anything by him,” Greely Coach Mike Andreasen said. … Ellsworth twin brothers Jack and Jeff Weeks are keys for Coach Brian Higgins.
CLASS A GIRLS
Windham (16-0-1) vs. Edward Little (13-1-3)
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Hampden Academy
OUTLOOK: Defending state champ Windham has trailed in each playoff game this fall, winning with late goals. The Eagles’ defense pushes up so it can be beat with quick counters. Windham can also dominate with Cassie Symonds leading a team of premier-level players who win the midfield and feed high-level finishers Ciera Berthiaume and Jenna Soucy. … The Eddies beat Mt. Ararat in overtime in the Eastern final, scoring late to tie and winning it on Olivia Paione’s goal. Francesca-Beth Haines is a top offensive threat.
CLASS B GIRLS
Cape Elizabeth (12-4-1) vs. Waterville (17-0)
WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Deering High School
OUTLOOK: Both teams return many key players from the 2013 final, which Cape won on penalty kicks. … Waterville outscored teams 79-0 in the regular season and 91-2 overall. “Our job is to get over the hump this time,” Coach Ian Wilson said. Pilar Elias (31 regular-season goals), Sarah Shoulta and Lydia Roy are top scorers. … Technically sound Cape will look for either Mariah Deschino or Kathryn Clark to score early and then defend. Montana Braxton is a ball-winner in the midfield or defense.
CLASS C GIRLS
Sacopee Valley (13-2-3) vs. Fort Kent (10-4-3)
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Deering High School
OUTLOOK: Sacopee Valley, the seventh seed in the West, has three playoff shutouts with a defense led by Jade Jordan, Helen Ruhlin, Olivia Ruhlin and Taylor Bradeen. Courtney Ryan is the main offensive target. Olivia Ridley has scored big playoff goals. … Fort Kent Coach Robby Nadeau said his team is very similar, having beaten top seeds Orono (2-1) and Houlton (1-0, penalty kicks). Alexa Pelletier is a strong keeper. Danielle Pelletier (MF), Kendra Raymond (D), energizing striker Erin Chasse and sweeper Sadie Desjardins lead the Warriors.
– Steve Craig
Send questions/comments to the editors.
