HOULTON, Maine — Whenever Fort Kent and Houlton meet on the girls soccer pitch, a thrilling and competitive game typically follows.
Such was the case Thursday afternoon as Fort Kent traveled to Houlton for a boys and girls doubleheader.
The Shire girls came into the game with somewhat of a disadvantage as the team was without its head coach, Marinna Cameron, who was unable to attend due to COVID. Volunteer soccer coach Peter Bates, who spent the beginning of the season assisting the boys team, served as the coach for Thursday’s game.
After a scoreless first half, the intensity picked up quickly in the second half as Shire senior Lydia Byron slipped the ball past Fort Kent goalie Larissa Daigle for what turned out to be the game’s only score.
Fort Kent had a number of strong scoring chances in the second half, particularly in the game’s final 10 minutes, as the Warriors furiously tried to even the score. Houlton goalie Emma McCarthy rose to the challenge on each attempt to preserve the shutout victory for the Shires.
McCarthy had a scary moment late in the game as she collided with a Fort Kent player while making a diving save. She suffered a nose injury and had to leave the game, but was able to return just a few minutes later and closed out the game for Houlton.
The Shires improved to 4-0 on the season and are currently ranked sixth in Class C North. Fort Kent dropped to 3-3 on the year, but are still ranked higher than the Shires as the current fourth seed.
In the boys game, Fort Kent rolled to a 4-0 shutout over Houlton. Keegan Cyr had the hat trick tallying three goals, while Nathan Voisine added one. The Warriors remain perfect on the year with a 6-0 record and the No. 1 seed in Class C North. Houlton falls to 1-3 and are currently ranked 13th.
HOULTON, Maine — September 15, 2022 — Lydia Byron (right) of Houlton scored the only goal in Thursday’s girls soccer game against Fort Kent. Battling for the ball are Byron and Payten Voisine. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — September 15, 2022 — Houlton’s Thadon Gentle tries to knock the ball away from Fort Kent’s Will Roy during Thursday’s boys soccer game. Fort Kent won 4-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — September 15, 2022 — Focused on the ball is Fort Kent’s Keegan Cyr (middle) as Houlton’s Cody Johnston pursues. In the background is Fort Kent’s Mason Tagget. Fort Kent won 4-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — September 15, 2022 — Houlton’s Maddie Marino (right) and Fort Kent’s Emlyn Nadeau fight for the ball during Thursday afternoon’s girls soccer game in Houlton. The Shires beat Fort Kent 1-0. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
