Houlton girls soccer squad remains perfect on the season, boys show steady improvement

2 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — The quest for perfection continues for the Houlton girls soccer team after the Shires added two more wins to its record over the weekend.

Houlton (7-0) defeated Orono 3-1 Friday evening in a hard-fought contest and followed that up with a 2-1 overtime win Saturday against Madawaska in a contest played in the St. John Valley.  

The Houlton girls are one of just three undefeated squads in Class C North with the season now at the halfway point. Bucksport (7-0) and Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield (6-0) are the other two undefeated teams.

Against Orono Friday evening, Maddie Marino booted in two goals, while Mylee Sylvia added a solo goal as the Shires beat visiting Orono. The goal scorer for Orono was not reported.

At Madawaska Saturday, the Shires needed overtime to preserve their unbeaten streak. Madawaska took a 1-0 lead at the half, before Marino evened the game at 1-1. Amelia Flewelling scored the game winning goal in overtime off a pass from Marino. 

“The wind was crazy up there, but it was a good win for us,” Houlton coach Marina Cameron said. 

In boys soccer, the Shires have had an up and down season. That trend continued over the weekend as Houlton notched a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Orono Friday evening, but fell 7-2 to Madawaska Saturday.

On the road against Madawaska Saturday, Houlton’s Terry Valles had a goal and Cody Jonhston scored on a penalty kick in a blustery game played in Madawaska. 

Carson Cyr had three goals to lead the Owls, while Brady Gagon, Ian Beaulieu, Sam Dufense and Issac Beaulieu each scored a goal.

In Friday’s game, Orono took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break as Dominik Ordo scored for the Red Riots. Houlton came out with renewed focus in the second half, scoring two quick goals, both by Valles to give Houlton the 2-1 edge.

“This was a good win for us,” Houlton assistant coach Peter Bates said. “All 14 of these kids have so much heart. There is just no quit in them.”

Orono knotted the game on a penalty kick by Ordo and the score remained tied 2-2 at the end of regulation. Following a scoreless first overtime session, Houlton’s Adrian Norton produced the game-winning goal with 2:33 left in double overtime for the 3-2 victory.

The Shire boys are now 3-5 on the season.

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Houlton’s Sam Duff (right)  slides to kick the ball while defended by Orono’s Brady Hews (3) and Nathan Culina (11) during Friday’s boys soccer game. Houlton won 3-2 in overtime. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Soaring into the air to head the ball is Houlton’s Adrian Norton (left) as Orono goalie Collin Loranger punches the ball away during Friday’s game. Norton later scored the game-winning goal in double overtime. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Houlton’s Cody Johnston (left) tries to avoid a slide tackle by Orono’s Dominik Ondo during Friday’s boys soccer game. Houlton won 3-2 in double overtime. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Houlton’s Sam Duff uses his body to contain the ball during Friday’s boys soccer game against Orono. Moving in from the right is Orono’s Wesley Crouse. Houlton won 3-2 in overtime. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Houlton’s Lydia Byron (left) tries to move the ball past Orono defender Annalee Edgar during Friday night’s girls soccer game. Houlton won 3-1. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Houlton’s Gabby Gentle (right) sends the ball up the field during Friday night’s girls soccer game against Orono. In the background is Orono’s Anna Molloy. Houlton won 3-1. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Houlton’s Matt Conley (left) and Orono’s Nathan Culina go for the ball during a boys soccer game Friday afternoon. Houlton won 3-2 in overtime. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)

HOULTON, Maine — September 23, 2022 — Chasing down the ball is Houlton’s Maddie Marino (right) while guarded by Orono’s Abby Batchelder during Friday night’s girls soccer game. Houlton won 3-1. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)