STACYVILLE, Maine – The Katahdin boys soccer team has enjoyed much success on the soccer field this season, but if the team hopes to continue that success into the postseason it knows more work remains to be done.
Boasting a 7-3 overall record as of Oct. 4, Katahdin is currently ranked 8th in the Class D North region with four games remaining on the season. The Cougars only losses on the year, thus far, have been to Wisdom (2-1 losses in both meetings) and Fort Fairfield (a 5-2 loss on the road).
Against Hodgdon Monday, Oct. 3, the Cougars picked up a 4-0 shutout over Hodgdon on the road.
Jeffery Martin scored two goals, while Kyle McNally and Grady Ritchie each scored a goal and Calvin Richardson added an assist. Kalan Mann recorded nine saves on 18 shots including a penalty kick save.
Seventh-year coach Dylan Harris has maintained a positive outlook for his squad throughout the season.
“We returned all but one player from last year’s team and added a few more players that have soccer experience in the past,” Harris said. “Our team’s strength lies in our season leadership on the front line and midfield. Having those players learn and grow in skill and understanding of the game over the last three or four seasons has made the group able to play very cohesively together. It showed last year with our new-found goal scoring abilities as a team and we are looking to continue that goal scoring trend this season.”
Last year, the Cougars had their first winning season since 2010 when the team finished 7-6-3 overall and have built steadily on that positive momentum.
The senior captains for the Cougars are Ritchie (forward), Jeffery Martin (midfield) and McNally (forward). Other seniors are Wyatt Smith (midfield), Mann (goalie) and Jacob Perry (forward).
The juniors are Josiah Rodgerson (defense), Cole Chickering (midfield) and Lucas Graves (defense); sophomores are Kaden Delano (defense), Connor Edwards (defense), Joshua Martin (defense), and Brendon Pocock (midfield).
The freshman class features Calvin Richardson (utility player), Bradley Swallow (midfield) and Jacob Hurlbert (defense).
“I am always looking for better communication from the team,” coach Harris said. “I’m always stressing to the guys that better communication will only make the game easier for them. I am also looking for improvements on the defensive side. We lost our senior leadership in the back to graduation last year, so we were looking to fill those shoes and improve our team and individual defending.”
The coach noted that Ritchie and McNally have been great at contributing goals, while Jeffery Martin and Smith have done an excellent job anchoring the midfield. He also noted that Mann has been exceptional in the net this year.
“To date our season is going very well,” Harris said. “The boys have worked extremely hard and have played in some competitive games. The seniors have stepped up with their skill and leadership.”
