HOULTON, Maine — Second-year coach Caleb Byron is hoping the Houlton boys soccer team can build upon the successes of a year ago to make an even deeper postseason push this fall.
The Shires finished 8-4-2 in the regular season, earning the No. 6 seed in Class C North. Houlton beat No. 11 Bucksport, 1-0, in a preliminary game, but fell to No. 3 Central, 4-0, in the quarterfinals.
“I believe we will be a strong playoff contender again this season due to strong incoming and returning players,” coach Byron said. “Our biggest strength is our defense. Last year, we outscored our opponents at least 2-1, and had multiple shutouts. Possession and passing are other areas in which we excel.”
Members of the Shire roster include seniors Dylan Johnston and Jake Worthley; juniors Dawson Mclaughlin, Pat Howe, AJ Henderson, Abe Lorom, Zach Fitzpatrick and Nick Perfitt; sophomores Ben Grant, Alex Wilde and Nolan Porter; and freshmen Tommy Astle, Eli Bulley, Cameron Callnan, Jason Collett, Keegan Gentle, Jaron Gentle and Nate Delucca.
Lost to graduation were Connor Grant (the team’s leading scorer), Sam Astle, Isaiha Littleton, and Nathan Bouchard.
“I predict that we’ll have to spread the scoring out quite a bit, and I’m excited to see who steps up as leaders this year,” coach Byron said. “I hope to improve on control and possession as we progress through the season. We have a strong focus on fundamentals and ball movement.”
Houlton opens its season Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. at Madawaska.
