Staff Writer
The Southern Aroostook Warriors would like to end this soccer season at or above .500 and qualify for postseason.
SLIDING STOP — Southern Aroostook goalie Austin White slides to foil an opponent’s scoring attempt during the Warriors’ opening game on Aug. 22 against CAHS.
“It will be a tough task, as we play a difficult schedule going forward with teams like Woodland, Mars Hill, Greenville and Ashland left to play,” SACS coach Cliff Urquhart said. “When our hearts and minds are focused on playing soccer then I believe we can at least compete with any team on our schedule.”
The Warriors are 2-1-1 on the year, with their next game today against Ashland at 3:30 p.m. in Dyer Brook.
“With only two seniors, we are extremely young this year,” said Urquhart. “Not only that, but like a lot of ‘D’ schools we are battling low numbers.”
Southern Aroostook currently has only 14 players on its roster.
“With a young team you are always looking for a player to emerge as a leader,” Urquhart added.
Suiting up for the Warriors this season is senior fullback Mason Caron, along with backs Will McGary, junior, and Gage Lefay, sophomore.
“Mason has the most experience in the back,” said Urquhart. “There a few others who will share the roles at that position.”
Playing his first year in the net is sophomore Austin White.
“Despite his inexperience at the position, Austin has done a good job thus far in the season,” said his coach. “He gives a consistent effort and is learning fast.”
Senior Dylan Porter will play halfback and fullback and on offense is All-Aroostook halfback/striker Cody Lassonde, who returns to help sophomore strikers Cameron Landry and Parker Walker.
“This unit will get better and start to gel each time they play together,” explained Urquhart.
The Warriors will miss 50-plus career goal-scorer Patrick Goodall, who graduated last year.
In the midfield are juniors Trenton Cullinan and Logan Buckley with sophomore Matt Tarr and freshman Josh Perrin.
“We are getting a good effort most games,” said Urquhart. “We have played some good halves and [played well] in spurts, but we need to learn to play an entire 80 minutes.”
In Woodland last Tuesday, the Dragons blanked Southern Aroostook, 4-0. SACS goalie Austin White had six saves on 10 shots faced.
