LIMESTONE — In 2011, the Limestone-MSSM Eagles made their first soccer playoff appearance in over 10 years, qualifying for the preliminary round with a 2-10-2 record. Coach Jon Hamilton is hoping to build upon that success in the 2012 season.
“Every year we set a long-term goal of making the playoffs,” said the fifth-year coach.
The Eagles return with a solid core of veteran players, despite having lost starters Zach Cote and Nate Faessler to graduation. Returnees include a core of seniors in goaltender Bret Butler, midfielder Brandon Thompson, and defenders Kevan Villarreal, Caleb Bronnerman and Tristan Stark.
This group will be counted on to provide leadership all over the field for the Eagles.
“Butler has improved tremendously since last year,” stated Hamilton. With the senior defenders in front of him, look for the Eagles to be excellent on the defensive end of the field as evidenced by shutouts in their opening wins.
Senior Nate Tucker, a transfer from Caribou, is also a quality defender who will add to the mix. Offensively, junior Tristan Kirk comes back and was the Eagles’ leading scorer a year ago. Junior Chris Bernier will be a factor on offense as will junior Brandon Nadeau and sophomore Dylan Nadeau. Hamilton called the Nadeaus “key scorers” who will have to perform well game in and game out.
New additions to the Limestone squad, in addition to Tucker, include sophomore Grier Osterman, a Maine School of Science and Mathematics student, sophomore midfielder Sam Kuplec and freshmen Joey Weeks, David Smith, Malachi Beauchamp, Adam Williams and Bret Morgan.
All these players will have opportunities to contribute to the Eagle success and will benefit from quality minutes on the field.
In order to be successful, Hamilton recognizes that they will have to perform game in and game out.
“We need to take it one game at time,” explained Hamilton. “If we have a strong defense, it will create a strong defense.”
The Eastern Maine Class D ranks look to be wide open this season, and the Eagles may well be in the mix.
“Wisdom and Washburn will be particularly point-worthy games,” explained Hamilton, “but every game counts. If we work hard and continue to work together, we will see a playoff berth again this season. We just need to put everything together.”
