Luca Antolini, Waynflete junior keeper: Antolini posted 11 shutouts to lead the Flyers (15-0-3) to the Class C state championship, allowing only one goal in four playoff games. He also played the field at times. “He didn’t have to make a ton of saves,” said Coach Brandon Salway, “but he made some incredible diving stops at key times.”

Jesse Bennell, Freeport junior midfielder: An all-Western Maine Conference first-team selection and Maine Soccer Coaches Association Class B South All-Star, Bennell recorded 14 goals and 11 assists to lead the Falcons (12-4-2) to a berth in the Class B state championship game for the first time since 1978.

Jack Bourassa, Bangor senior back: An All-Region selection by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, Bourassa led the Rams (11-2-3) to the Class A North semifinals. His defense helped Bangor post eight shutouts, and hold state champion Lewiston to a scoreless tie. He plans to continue his career at Bentley College.

Enock Citenga, Lewiston senior back: An All-Region selection by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, Citenga was the backbone of a Blue Devils squad that went 16-0-2, posted 12 shutouts and earned its third Class A title in four years. His defense was critical in thwarting eight second-half corner kicks by Gorham in the 1-0 state-final victory.

Bilal Hersi, Lewiston junior forward: One of the two All-America selections by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, Hersi led Lewiston (16-0-2) in scoring for the second straight year, both ending in Class A state titles. He finished with 22 goals and set up the game-winners in the 2017 and 2018 title games.

Eric LaBrie, Yarmouth senior forward: A two-time All-Region selection by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, LaBrie notched 20 goals and nine assists to lead the Clippers to a 13-1-2 record. Yarmouth’s four-year varsity record with LaBrie was 62-4-4 with three Class B state titles.

Advertisement

Travis Nadeau, Mt. Ararat senior forward: An All-Region honoree by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, Nadeau had 16 goals and eight assists to lead the Eagles (13-3-1, Class A North runners-up) in scoring for the fourth straight season. A four-time KVAC All-Star, he will play at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.

Michael Nason, Cheverus senior midfielder: A regional All-State selection by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, Nason led the Stags (10-4-2) to the Class A South semifinals. More of a defensive midfielder, Nason didn’t compile gaudy stats (8 goals, 6 assists) but was the most impactful player for Cheverus.

John O’Connor, Cape Elizabeth senior midfielder: The heart of the team that ended Yarmouth’s 45-game unbeaten streak and sent the Capers to the Class B South final – where Freeport was able to overcome a two-goal deficit – O’Connor scored nine goals and notched 11 assists. He plans to play soccer in college.

Andrew Rent, Gorham junior forward: One of the two All-America selections by the Maine Soccer Coaches Association, Rent led Gorham to a 16-1-1 season with 16 goals and nine assists. He was named offensive player of the year in the SMAA and either scored or assisted on every playoff goal for the Class A runners-up.

Keto Tchiputo, Portland senior forward: A first-team SMAA and Maine Soccer Coaches Association regional all-star, Tchiputo led the Bulldogs with 11 assists in his first year after transferring across town from Deering. He also scored nine goals to help Portland go 10-4-3 and reach the Class A South final, ending in a 1-0 loss to Gorham.

Coach of the Year

Joe Greaves, Presque Isle: In his eighth season at his alma mater, Greaves led the Wildcats to a historic season capped by a 3-2 double-overtime victory in the Class B state championship game against Freeport. It marked the first time in a quarter-century that a Northern or Eastern Maine team won the Class B state title. Presque Isle finished with a 15-1-2 record, losing only to Caribou. With Greaves at the helm, the Wildcats are 90-28-12.


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.