BOYS’ SOCCER
Coach: Chris Spaulding (seventh year)
2014 results: 12-3-1 (Lost to Richmond in Western D semifinals)
Top returning players: David Davol (Senior), John Konczal (Senior), Teddy Lane (Senior), Noah Parslow (Senior), Jeremiah Hammond (Junior), Ethan Spaudling (Junior), Mason Jones (Sophomore)
Pivotal games: Sept. 4 @ Pine Tree, Sept. 25 @ Buckfield, Oct. 5 PINE TREE, Oct. 10 BUCKFIELD, Oct. 13 SEARSPORT
Coach’s comment: “We expect to be strong up the middle with seven upperclassmen returning to lead us. We lost four very good players to graduation, but we’re hoping to build on last year’s success.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: GPCS is coming off a terrific campaign and should be among the top contenders in Southern Class D again.
The Lions return an All-State talent in Spaulding, who had 28 goals in 2014 (second in the state regardless of class). The tri-captain and forward/midfielder will be a matchup nightmare. He has 66 goals for his career and is the program’s all-time scoring leader. If Spaulding isn’t enough of a challenge for the opposition, Hammond, who was named to the Western D regional all-star team last fall, compounds matters. Hammond, captain and midfielder, had 10 goals and 11 assists in 2014 and has 24 goals and 14 assists for his career. Davol and Lane (four goals, two assists last fall) will also help the offense. On defense, Konczal (whose unstoppable flip throw has led to several goals) and tri-captain Parslow will hold the fort in front of Jones, who had four shutouts last season.
The Lions face some very talented teams during the course of the year, but have the necessary ingredients to once again boast an impressive record. GPCS will be heard from in the playoffs again and this fall, could advance even deeper.
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Coach: Christine Jones (fourth year)
2014 results: 0-13 (no postseason)
Top returning players: Angie Jones (Senior), Clarissa Jones (Senior), Courtney Spaulding (Freshman)
Pivotal games: Sept. 4 @ Pine Tree, Sept. 14 @ Rangeley, Sept. 22 RANGELEY, Oct. 5 PINE TREE
Coach’s comment: “We have quite a few returning players this year. Many of them have been playing together now for their entire high school career. We’re looking forward to a successful season together.”
The Forecaster’s forecast: The Lions have nowhere to go but up this season and could make a quantum leap if all goes well.
Clarissa Jones is a standout goalkeeper and was named to the Western D All-Region team last fall. She’s moving into the field this season to try and generate offense. Jones will still see time between the pipes, but eighth grader Clairette Kirezi will also be pressed into service. Angie Jones and freshman Courtney Spaulding are top scoring threats. New senior Erin Robinson will frustrate opponents as well,.
Look for GPCS to be much more competitive in the weeks to come. If all goes well, the Lions will be in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached atmhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.
Senior Clarissa Jones moves from the goalkeeper position into the field this fall.
Sidebar Elements
Junior Ethan Spaulding is a prolific scorer who looks to lead the Greater Portland Christian School boys’ soccer team on another deep playoff run.
Copy the Story LinkSend questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.