CORINTH, Maine — The Houlton boys soccer team road through the playoffs hit a speed bump last Wednesday as the Shires traveled to Central of East Corinth.
No. 6 Houlton (9-5-2 overall) struggled to find its offensive rhythm in the Class C North quarterfinal match with the No. 3 Red Devils (14-1), falling 4-0.
Andrew Speed scored two early goals during a span of 3 minutes, 12 seconds to spark the Red Devils.
“We let in a goal just a minute into play on a blown mark and a nice shot inside the 18,” Houlton coach Caleb Byron said. “Four minutes later we missed multiple opportunities to clear the ball allowing a Central player to slide the ball inside the netting.“
Caleb Shaw and Micah Ward scored second-half goals on headers off Speed corner kicks to help provide the final margin.
Gage Poulin made eight saves on 12 shots for Central. A.J. Henderson amassed 27 saves on 34 shots for the Shiretowners.
Byron said after Central scored its third goal, he shifted a third forward up front to try to become more offensive, while the Red Devils played a more defensive game, sitting on the comfortable three-goal lead.
“We had a few opportunities during the game to score, but Central’s defense held tough,” he said.
Byron, who is in his first year as the Shiretowners coach, said he was pleased with the progression his team made during the season.
“I felt that the guys met my expectations,” he said. “I knew we had some talent going into the season, and we learned to control the ball better throughout the season. We worked on playing solid fundamental soccer, and let in only a goal a game on average.
“While we are a younger team, our seniors all played pivotal roles in the lineup and will be missed,” he continued. “Their experience and leadership helped hold the team together, and push them toward success. I’m proud to have been a part of their soccer career and hope they all continue soccer in one form or another later in life. The team always had a good attitude and never let anything diminish their spirits.”
