HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton boys soccer team has enjoyed a wealth of success on the field in recent years, but a rebuilding season appears to be in the works.
The program has made five straight playoff appearances, winning at least one playoff game for four consecutive years. The Shires collected a state title in 2013, but took a small step backwards last season, finishing with an 8-6-2 overall record. Houlton was the No. 8 seed a year ago and beat No. 9 Penquis Valley, 1-0, in a home preliminary playoff before losing to No. 1 Madawaska 3-0. Madawaska went on to finish as state runner-up.
“This year the number of freshmen entering the program is almost equal to the entire number of upper classmen in the program,” explained veteran coach Mike Carlos. “We have 18 players involved in the program and of the 18, eight are freshmen.”
The Shires must find someone to tend the net for the first time in four years following the departure of goalie Kole Buzzeo to graduation this past spring. According to Carlos, a battle for that spot is brewing between junior Sam Astle and freshman AJ Henderson.
The team has spent a great deal of time developing fundamental skills and is now working on becoming a cohesive unit, which supports each other, the coach said.
“As we improve our decision making and communication skills, good things should happen,” he added.
The upper classmen in the program, some of whom have been part of the Shires’ success in the past, include Dan Howe and Conner Grant. Both were starters on the team a year ago.
Others who were role players last year, but will be called upon for bigger contributions this year, include Noah Blake and Isaiah Littleton.
“Upper classmen who were role players in the past, must embrace their new roles as starters with the team,” Carlos said.
Scoring goals may be a problem for the Shires initially as they struggle to find the right combination. Currently there are three freshmen (Abe Lorom, Pat Howe and Nick Perfitt) working to fill the void left by graduation and students moving out of the area.
Last year’s best freshmen, Dylan Johnston and Jake Worthley, have returned and bring a strong work ethic to the club, the coach said.
On the defensive side of the ball, Houlton has two freshmen, Zack Fitzpatrick and Dawson McLaughlin, working to claim their spots in the starting lineup. Two players that have been developing and waiting for their moment to shine are Mason McCarthy and Nathan Bouchard, the coach added.
“It will take some time for the team to come together as inexperienced players attempt to learn the game of soccer,” Carlos said. “What this team is lacking are skills and soccer IQ. As these two things improve so will our outcomes. This should be an interesting year; let the games begin.”
Houlton opens its season, Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. hosting Madawaska.
