Deep Cape Breton roots for Caper men’s soccer recruit

Deep Cape Breton roots for Caper men's soccer recruit

Carson Larabie 'super excited' about playing in front of family

By Corey LeBlanc

It is going to be a homecoming – of sorts – for one new recruit to the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers men's soccer program.

Carson Larabie's maternal family is from Glace Bay.

"It is such a bonus – I am super excited," the 20-year-old says of having the opportunity to take the pitch while also revisiting his deep Cape Breton roots.

Spoiler alert for his family here (he was going to keep becoming a Caper a surprise) – the Ajax, Ontario native explains his immediate family, including his mother Christine Danette, is planning to make the road trip to bring him to training camp in August.

"I am going to be the only one that stays," Larabie says, with a laugh.

Noting that growing up his family made annual summer trips to Cape Breton, he says he hasn't been there in four years because of his busy soccer schedule.

"It is going to be great because my family there hasn't really seen me play," Larabie adds.

As he describes, the family ties are a 'bonus,' considering the quality of the CBU program – and the chance to be part of it – was the primary factor in his decision.

"I am so excited – I can't wait to get there and start learning from the older guys," Larabie explains.

The 6'3" midfielder – a product of the highly-regarded Woodbridge Strikers Soccer Club – started his post-secondary career in the United States. He played the 2019-20 season with the NCAA's Oakland Golden Grizzlies.

"My whole high school career all I heard was you have to play Division 1 [in the U.S.] and not in Canada," Larabie remembers.

Noting the idea that a different style of soccer is played in America – although cautioning he doesn't like to generalize – he suggests it is "so true," explaining there is a lot of kick-and-chase.

"I wanted to play a more European style, which I think is a much better fit for me," Larabie explains.

He says that's what he found with Caper head coach Deano Morley and his program.

When asked what talents he brings to the table, Larabie says he collects "a lot of assists."

"I am also strong shooting from yardage," he adds, noting his "sweet spot" is from 20 to 28 yards.

Noting his playing experience at a high level – not to mention his "great pedigree" coming from the Woodbridge program – Morley offers Larabie is "ready to play at this level."

"I expect Carson to make an immediate impact," he says.

Adding he is "very good technically," Morley notes his prized recruit will "deliver and set up goals."

He praises Larabie for his "tremendous work ethic" – not only athletically, but also academically.

"Carson is a very nice and humble young man," Morley says.

After his year south of the border, Larabie decided to "explore his options overseas."

He had tryouts lined up in Germany, Croatia and Spain, but they were snuffed out – like so many things – by the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

After wrapping up his time at the University of Oakland, he and his parents discussed taking one year to focus on his professional career. If it didn't work out, they encouraged him to "go back to school."

"I wanted to go somewhere to get me as prepared as possible to go pro," Larabie says of his move to CBU.

He notes he also received tremendous feedback about the program from his former club teammate Isaiah Johnston, who played for the Capers and now stars in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

"He had nothing but great things to say," Larabie says about his friend's time in CBU orange.

As for his academic pursuits, the soon-to-be Caper hasn't selected a program of study.

"I still have some time to decide," Larabie notes.

It could be finance – he loves stocks – or biology – he has a passion for animals.

After his time at CBU, Larabie plans to pursue his professional aspirations.

"I am not sure where, but we will see," he says.

Larabie adds he will explore every option, whether it is overseas or in North America, either in the CPL or Major League Soccer (MLS).

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