East Grand girls soccer coach Chris Young returns a core nucleus of players for the season, with hopes of advancing to the Class D playoffs.
“Though we have a strong squad of returning players, we also have some new players who will make an immediate impact,” said seven-year coach Young. “The entire defense returns from last season and we will look to hold opponents’ scoring down.”
Anchoring the defense again this season is senior goalie Chelsea Winiarski, along with junior sweeper Kim Stoddard, an All-Aroostook player from a year ago, and freshmen fullbacks, Haleigh Shay and Emily Russell.
The midfield features all returning starters with seniors Adreanna Phillips at stopper, and Allie McEwen at center midfield, as well as sophomores Hannah Crone and Paige Young.
“Our challenge this year will be to score goals,” said Young. “The key will be if young players up front can get the ball in the net.”
Sophomore Sarah Stoddard will be one of the keys, as she scored four goals last year as a freshman and will be counted on to put the ball in the net, according to her coach. Joining Stoddard upfront will be freshman Kianna Caisse and junior Bethany Lindsey, who transferred to East Grand from Stearns High School. Four eighth-graders will supply energy and talent off the bench, with Mallory Gilman at midfield and fullback; Jennifer Crone on the front line; Chloe Crone at midfield and fullback and Morgan Crone on the defense.
“Our schedule has some wins on it,” said Young. “We need to score goals and take command of the game from the beginning. My outlook is for a winning record and a home playoff game. That should be something that we can achieve.”
