Shiretowners ‘progressing well’ says coach

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Houlton Shiretowners boys soccer team has played eight games so far this season of their 14-game schedule for a 5-2-1 record.
    “I think we are progressing really well,” said Houlton coach Mike Carlos.
    Carlos’ squad started with two early season losses in August to Madawaska, 4-1, and Fort Kent, 2-1, to begin the season.
    “All we are trying to do is stay in the top four,” Carlos said. “If we stay in the top four, I am very happy about that. We are guaranteed one home [playoff] game.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
SNATCHED — Houlton goalie Kole Buzzeo, left, snatched the ball away from a Lee player during last week’s game in Houlton. Coach Mike Carlos gave out kudos to Buzzeo’s effort between the posts so far this season.
    When the Shiretowners played at Fort Kent on Sept. 21 they came away with a double overtime 1-all tie, while they await to play Madawaska in their final regular season game at home on Oct. 15.
    “In our last game in Fort Kent, all the things we had been working on came together,” said Carlos. “I noticed I wasn’t having to communicate with my team nearly as much during the game. Hopefully, they are at that point now where they know what they are going to do and they know their jobs.”
    Last year, the Houlton Shiretowners were Class C state runners-up and showed they were a team to reckoned with as they pushed Waynflete Academy to a double overtime before losing, 2-1.
    The Shiretowners are poised to make another strong run in the playoffs.
    “Last year, we were about at the same spot, believe it or not,” said Carlos.
    The Shiretowners went into the tourney as the number-three seed  and upset No. 2 Madawaska in the semifinals to move deeper into the playoffs.
    “We happened to get on a nice run and some people took off some higher seeds,” noted Carlos. “I think we have aligned ourselves up like that. We are basically the same team with a few guys missing.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
CONTROLS — Gage Hunt of Houlton takes control of the ball during last week’s game in Houlton against Lee Academy.
    Carlos said the team did miss Ian Bauersfeld early in the season, but he believes they’ve made the right adjustments to shore up the defense.
    “We have a good blend of old and new,” said Carlos. “We’ve succeeded in a lot of areas. I think Kole [Buzzeo] is playing really well for us. He is among the best goal keepers if not the best in Eastern Maine. We’ve had three penalty kicks and he has stopped two of those. He’s definitely on his game. He’s a little banged up, but doing an outstanding job for us.”
    Carlos wants his team to realize it takes all players doing their job to create wins for the team.
    “If we continue to play team soccer than things will go well for us,” he said. “All the guys are contributing. We are trying to get the ball to people in certain situations. We’ve got a lot of goals from a lot of different people and as long as we continue to play like that where we aren’t relying on one person to lead the way, we will do well.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph/Gloria Austin
CLEARS — Houlton’s Dan  Swallow, right, uses his head to clear the ball from the  goal area, while teammate Brandon Ward looks on.
    The Shiretowners will be in action on the road today at East Millinocket for a 4 p.m. game with the Wolverines. The Shiretowners next two games will be at home, as Mattanawcook Academy comes to Houlton on Friday for a 4 p.m. game and Calais visits on Columbus Day for a 12 p.m. contest.
    “The team is working very hard,” said Carlos. “They are playing very solid soccer right now.”