HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton boys soccer team is embarking on what is hoped to be a new era of greatness under first-year coach Caleb Byron.
Byron’s previous coaching experience includes two years of junior varsity in Windham, N.H., where he also assisted the varsity squad.
“I enjoy sharing my passion for soccer with students by teaching them fundamentals of gameplay and core values of integrity and sportsmanship,” Byron said.
Byron replaces veteran Mike Carlos, who experienced tremendous success with the Shires for the past few seasons, including a state Class C championship in 2012. Houlton finished 3-10-2 last year, falling in the quarterfinals to Fort Kent, 2-1.
Members of the Shire varsity squad include: seniors, Connor Grant (midfield/forward), Nathan Bouchard (midfield), Sam Astle (defense/goalie) and Isaiha Littleton (defense); juniors, AJ Henderson (goalie), Zach Fitzpatrick (defense), Dylan Johnston (defense/midfield), Jacob Worthley (midfield/defense) and Dawson McLaughlin (midfield); sophomores, Pat Howe (forward), Cody Shaw (midfield), Nick Perfitt (midfield/defense), Abe Lorom (midfield/forward) and Timothy Youngfellow (midfield/forward); and freshmen, Ben Grant (midfield), Alex Wilde (midfield/defense), Cameron Cram (midfield), Nolan Porter (midfield) and Ian Neureuther (midfield/forward).
The captains this year are Connor Grant, Worthley and Fitzpatrick, who are all returning impact players for Houlton, the coach said.
“Connor is a versatile scoring threat at any position and creates offensive opportunities both on and off the ball,” Byron said. “Jake is a playmaker in the middle of the field, helping to control the pace of the game by winning 50-50 balls and contributing on both sides of the ball. Zach is a strong presence in the back four, working to lead the defense to keep the ball out of our defensive half.”
While the Shires may be young, with several developing players, coach Byron said this year’s roster is filled with players who bring depth and energy off the bench.
“This will enable us to keep fresh legs on the field at all times,” he said. “We also have a number of players who are comfortable playing a number of positions, which allows us to change our formation as the game develops.”
The coach added he wants to improve on “possession style play” while having his players learn to control the middle of the field, which will require some of his younger players to step up into some big roles.
“Our team, while young, will be a contender this year if we can stay injury free and consistently playing fundamentally sound soccer,” Byron said.
Houlton opens the season Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. hosting Madawaska.
