In a battle of two undefeated boys soccer teams Tuesday, both Houlton and Orono managed to emerge with their records intact following a 1-1 tie.
Patrick Tyne scored the first goal for the Red Riots (3-0-1) on an unassisted rebound 10 minutes into the first half. Houlton’s Jaron Gentle scored for the Shires (2-0-1) on a header from a crossing pass by Ben Grant in the second half.
Houlton’s AJ Henderson had 12 saves on 15 shots and Orono had 5 saves against 6 shots.
Wednesday’s busy day of game action sees the Washburn boys and girls play at Katahdin at 3:30 p.m., while the East Grand boys travel to Woodland for a 4 p.m. game.
The biggest matchup takes place under the lights at Caribou High School as Presque Isle makes the trip north for a 7 p.m. tilt against the Vikings.
Scott Hunter, whose young Viking boys team has been a surprise early on with its 2-1 record, said Presque Isle will provide a difficult test.
“They are a veteran and athletic team with some very talented players,” Hunter said of the Wildcats. “One of the keys will be for our younger players to play like experienced, skilled players. We need to keep the ball moving and play quick.”
Presque Isle coach Joe Greaves has plenty of respect for the Vikings and said experience should play a big factor. The Wildcats also enter with a 2-1 mark.
“They have some young guys in their lineup, but it’s pretty much the same group as last year,” Greaves said. “We have some upperclassmen, but many are just gaining experience in the starting lineup. This will be a good early test for our new guys.”
Both may be without a key senior. The Vikes’ Bailey Griffeth has been sidelined with a foot injury and is doubtful, according to Hunter. Ryle Mortland returned from a torn meniscus Saturday against MCI but reaggravated the injury and Greaves said his status won’t be determined until game time.
In golf, Southern Aroostook journeys to Ashland for a 3:30 p.m. match at the Portage Hills Country Club. Hodgdon heads to Mars Hill Country Club to take on Central Aroostook at 3:30 p.m.; and Houlton meets up with Carlisle (Caribou/Presque Isle) at the Presque Isle Country Club at 3:30 p.m.
The following is a recap of other games played Tuesday, Sept. 12.
Van Buren boys 4, Southern Aroostook 1 — At Dyer Brook, Matthew Burgess scored the hat trick as he knocked in three goals to lift Van Buren (3-4) to the win. Deacon Thivierge also had a goal and added two assists for the Crusaders. Colby Lapointe saved three of five shots.
Gavin Vining scored the lone goal for Southern Aroostook (0-3). Parker Skinner and Xavier Morales shared time in goal as the two combined for nine saves on 18 shots.
Southern Aroostook girls 6, Van Buren 0 — In the girls game, Jordyn Legassey led the Warriors with two goals as Southern Aroostook shut out Van Buren. Emma Nadeau, Kylie Vining, Makaelyn Porter, and Kassidy Mathers each netted a goal and an assist for the Warriors (2-1). Paige Vose, Maddie Cummings and Skyla Nelson also had solo assists.
Sydney Brewer saved the only shot she faced in net for SA. Bailey Laplante and Tiffany Morrow combined for 19 saves on 25 shots for 0-5-2 Van Buren.
Fort Fairfield boys 2, Ashland 0 — At Fort Fairfield, Jonah Daigle scored a first-half goal and Isaac Cyr provided an insurance goal in the second half as the Tigers bested the Hornets. Malcolm Langner picked up the shutout in goal for the Tigers, who are now 6-2. Steven Bellanceau was solid in net for the 2-4-1 Hornets.
Ashland girls 11, Fort Fairfield 0 — The Hornets remained undefeated and the Tigers stayed winless following the match in Fort Fairfield.
Amber Chasse scored four goals and Shelby Stolze added two to go along with her four assists. Morgan Doughty contributed two goals and an assist, while Jamie Poulin, Willow Hall and Sierra Burby were the other Hornet goal scorers. Megan Cote (two saves on three shots) and the Hornet defense recorded their sixth consecutive shutout.
Emily Everitt and Shantelle Simon shared goalkeeping duties for the Tigers and they combined to save 10 of 33 shots.
Ashland is now 7-0 and Fort Fairfield is 0-7-1.