Looking at the Western Maine Class D Heal Point Standings prior to Wednesday’s boys high school non-conference soccer game between Pine Tree Academy and Richmond, the top two positions were held by private schools that are relative newcomers to Class D.
At the top sat Chop Point (7-1, with its only loss a 5-2 setback to Pine Tree Academy), while the undefeated Pine Tree Academy Breakers from Freeport were No. 2. Traditional powers Richmond, Buckfield and Greenville held down the third through five spots, respectively.
Pine Tree Academy, which has only played Class D soccer for three years, was definitely out of its element in the first half on Wednesday, playing nervous and watching Richmond strike for two goals in the first five minutes in a 3-0 Bobcats victory, dropping the Breakers to 8-1 while Richmond improved to 8-2-1.
RICHMOND STRIKER Cody Tribbett (14, left photo) is about to score his second of three goals during the Bobcats’ 3-0 non conference win over Pine Tree Academy on Wednesday. Close by are Pine Tree goaltender Ryan Pierce, defender Vladislav Krivoruk (5) and Richmond’s Nate Tribbett. In the photo above, Richmond midfielder Bailey Johansen (16) tries to make a move past Pine Tree’s JP Tshamala (8). Richmond improved to 8-2-1 and visits rival Greenville on Friday while the Breakers dropped their first game (8-1) and visits Valley today.
“We have looked up to Richmond for our three years in Class D, and they were very fast, much faster than we expected them to be,” said Pine Tree coach Leszek Krzywon, whose squad visits Valley today. “It is great to play against the best team, much better now than in the playoffs. We waited for this game for a long time, and I feel that we will learn from it.”
The 2-0 start allowed Richmond to establish a strong defensive stance over the final 75 minutes of soccer.
“The start was important, something we talked about in the classroom, and knowing that this could decide if we get a home game in the playoffs,” said Richmond coach Joe Scribellito, whose team will travel to rival Greenville on Friday — the team’s third two-hour plus road trip in six days. “The kids came out on fire. Everybody stepped up to the plate today and played traditional, hard Richmond soccer.”
Cody Tribbett was the main catalyst for the Bobcats. He scored all three goals in the opening half.
“It was really important to come out and play that way, especially with them ahead of us in the standings,” said Tribbett. “I think this is a high point for us with this win. I think from here we will be good.”
Fast start
It took the Bobcats less than two minutes to strike. Senior Nate Tribbett, who moments before celebrated Senior Day, set up his freshman kid brother, who chipped the ball past hard-charging Pine Tree goaltender Ryan Pierce for a 1-0 lead.
The freshman was at it again just three minutes later, this time firing a shot past Pierce after receiving a pass from Jon Simmons to double the Richmond lead.
“Richmond has a great reputation and definitely hustled more than us,” said Pine Tree Academy’s Andrew Goorhuis.
The Bobcats continued to carry the play throughout the opening frame, outshooting the Breakers 12-4 and getting a third goal from Cody Tribbett (assisted by Simmons) with four minutes left until halftime.
Pine Tree adjusted things in the second half, putting a few more shots on Richmond goaltender Dustin Sullivan, who had seven stops.
“We viewed them as just another team after the tough start, and the second half coach said to play harder and we did,” said Goorhuis, who provided some offense from his midfield position.
“It is nice to see Pine Tree step up and play us, and we like to step out of our comfort zone and play these teams,” said Scribellito, who complimented Pine Tree’s sportsmanship throughout the hardfought contest. “I would love to play teams like this two times a season, like Chop Point and Pine Tree. Plus, it is much better travel for us. They are good kids, and I feel that my team had a good time playing against them.”
“Sportsmanship is important to us, and that is what we strive for, and Richmond is good too. It was a fun game to be a part of,” said Krzywon.
Pierce had 11 saves for the Breakers, who were outshot 20-12. Richmond held a 4-3 edge in corner kicks, and received solid play from Marcus Blake, Brendon Emmons, Cameron Emmons, Sam Lorbeski, Bailey Johansen and Mike Stewart.
Tuesday at Rangeley
Nate Tribbett tallied two goals as the Bobcats rolled to a 5-0 victory over winless Rangeley on Tuesday.
Tyler Soucy chipped in one goal and one assist for Richmond, while Brendan Emmons and Simmons picked up one goal each. In goal, Marcus Blake made one save for the shutout.
Rangeley (0-10) goalkeeper Zachary Trafton turned aside 14 shots as Richmond finished with a 21-1 shots advantage.
“Our younger players saw plenty of action in the second half and played well,” said Scribellito.
Richmond 3, Pine Tree Academy 0
At Richmond
Pine Tree — 0 0 — 0
Richmond — 3 0 — 3
Goals — (R) Cody Tribbett 3.
Assists — (R) Nate Tribbett, Jon Simmons 2.
Shots — Richmond 20, Pine Tree 12.
Saves — (PT) Ryan Pierce 11; (R) Dustin Sullivan 7.
Corner kicks — Richmond 4, Pine Tree 3.
Records — Richmond 8-2-1, Pine Tree Academy 8-1.
Up next for Richmond — Friday at Greenville,
4 p.m.
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