RICHFORD – The Twinfield-Cabot-Danville (CCSU) boys’ soccer team is testing rarified air near the top of the Division III standings after a pair of wins over Richford and Enosburg last week that moved them to 7-1-1 on the season.
Caledonia United’s Eli Russell (center) jumps for the ball against Blake Taeague (right) of Enosburg during play at Danville, October 4. At left (in back) is Samson Kitonga. Caledonia United won 2-0.
Freshman Omar Miksic-Knibb continued his onslaught on Mountain League opponents, scoring three first-half goals to lead Caledonia United to a 7-0 road win over Richford. Eli Russell added a brace and Sam McLane and Samson Kitonga rounded out a balanced CCSU attack with a goal apiece. Josh Petersen made six stops to earn the shutout. Easton Choquette turned away 12 shots for the Falcons, who fell to 2-7. Cal United swept the season series, outscoring Richford 14-2 in their two match-ups.
“We had some quality performances today, with Omar leading the way with three goals. Jola Otten, Evan Whitehead, and Eli owned the midfield for us. Our defensive unit repelled every Richford attack, and Josh was decisive in net. We had a great rotation today, everyone contributed, and I’m proud of how the boys stepped up and played with discipline and heart. It was fun to watch!” said head coach Peter Stratman.
Kaiden Rogers (No. 11), for Caledonia United, advances the ball up the field as Enosburg’s Brody Wells (No. 3) looks to steal, during an October 4 match in Danville. At left (in back) is Landen Fournier of Caledonia United. The hosts beat their guests 2-0.
Miksic-Knibb made it five scores on the week with a pair of monster tallies in each half to power Cal United to a 2-0 home win over Enosburg on Friday. The talented freshman gave the home team an early 1-0 advantage 15 minutes into the match and beat the Hornet defense once again to give CCSU a two-goal advantage six minutes into the second half. Miksic-Knibb is quickly turning heads at the top of the league with 13 goals in his first eight varsity matches. Petersen continued his stellar play in net, making 3 saves to earn his third straight shutout. Hunter Meunier made six stops in the loss as the Hornets fell to 5-4-2.
Caledonia United team members (from left) Sam McLane, Eli Russell, Evan Whitehead and River Thibault congratulate Omar Miksic-Knibb (center) after getting a goal. Miksic-Knib got both goals for the win against Enosburg October 4.
“Omar continued to impress by scoring a brace to go with his hat trick against Richford earlier in the week. He is a talented kid: definitely a standout player. Enosburg is a tough program to beat. They are well coached, and their players work hard for every single ball. It was a solid victory for our boys. Eli was an instrumental playmaker as an attacking midfielder. The defensive unit combined for another gritty shutout,” said Stratman.
A different team in a different division with the same results for Stratmans’ newly formed Caledonia United club. Another big week moved them up to the No. 3 spot in the current Division III standings behind powerhouse Stowe and Peoples Academy. CCSU put their seven-match unbeaten streak on the line on Tuesday as they welcomed defending Division IV champion Winooski to town.
