HOULTON, Maine — After coming so close to vying for a regional championship a season ago, Houlton boys soccer coach Caleb Byron is hopeful his team is ready to take the next step.
“We are coming off of a strong playoff run last year, and have high hopes to be a top team in Class C this year,” said Byron, who is entering his third year with the club. “With changes around the league, we feel that we are set up for success this year, and have been practicing accordingly.”
The Shires finished last season with a solid 9-4-1 regular-season record, which earned the team the No. 4 seed in Class C North. Houlton beat No. 5 Fort Kent 2-0 in the quarterfinals before falling to No. 9 George Stevens Academy 2-1 in the semifinals.
Houlton senior Nick Perfitt runs through a soccer drill during a recent boys practice. Perfitt is one of several seniors who will be leading the Shires this season. (Joseph Cyr)
The bulk of that squad returns this season as the team lost only two players — Jacob Worthley and Dylan Johnson — to graduation this past spring.
Members of the 2017 Houlton squad include seniors Pat Howe (forward), Zach Fitzpatrick (defense/midfield), Tim Youngfellow (forward/midfield), Cody Shaw (forward/midfield), Dawson McLaughlin (defense), Abe Lorom (midfield), Nick Perfitt (midfield) and AJ Henderson (goalie); juniors Alex Wilde (midfield), Nolan Porter (midfield) and Ben Grant (midfield); sophomores Tom Astle (midfield), Cam Callnan (defense/midfield), Keegan Gentle (forward), Jaron Gentle (forward), Eli Bulley (defense/midfield), Nate Delucca (defense/midfield); and freshmen Gabe Fitzpatrick (defense), Drew Foley (goalie), and Hunter Sennett (defense).
“Our team strength is our defense which has kept us in close games and helped us shut out numerous teams the past two years,” the coach said. “Also we have most of our roster returning as last year we only graduated two seniors.”
Changes to the team’s schedule has created some interesting matchups for the Shires this season. Houlton will no longer will play long-time rival Schenck of East Millinocket during the regular season. Instead, the Shires have added George Stevens Academy to the fold.
Conditioning should not be a problem for the team. “After our second day of practice, it was apparent that we are in good physical shape already,” Byron said.
Some of the areas he hopes the team will improve upon as the season progresses are finishing on scoring drives, working on possessing the ball and doing a better job of winning 50-50 balls.
Houlton is scheduled to open its season Thursday, Aug. 31, hosting Madawaska at 6 p.m.
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- Houlton goalie Drew Foley kicks a ball away from the net during a recent boys soccer practice. (Joseph Cyr)
