HAMPDEN— Tessa Solomon was great all season for coach Tim Tweedie and the Houlton Shiretowners. The junior saved her best for last in helping the Shiretowners defeat Madison 1-0 in the Maine Principals’ Association class C girls soccer state championship game on Saturday afternoon. Solomon made 12 saves on 17 shots, including two diving saves late in the second half.
“I remember being at one of these when I was 12, and I was like I want to be here when I am in high school,”Solomon said. “We are here and we did it.”
The only goal came when Sierra Hoops set up Kolleen Bouchard 12:13 into the second half. It was the 37th goal of the season for Bouchard.
“She (Hoops) usually tries to kick it up in the air to me. As soon as it left her foot I ran up over the defense,”Bouchard said. “That left me one on one with the goalie. I worked on settling it down and aiming for a far corner.”
The first half was dominated by the defenses. Bouchard had the best opportunity for the Shiretowners in the first half. She rocketed one that went just inches wide left of the goal. Ashley Emery and Jillian Holden had chances for the Bulldogs, but couldn’t get it past the Shires defense or Solomon.
“We knew coming into this one that it wasn’t going to be a blowout. Madison was a great team and they deserved to be in this.,”Solomon said. “They showed everybody that, it was a really good game by both teams.”
The early part of the second half was dominated by the Bulldogs. They fired 11 shots in the second half, including four in the first seven minutes. The first shot for Houlton in the second half came when Bouchard found the back of the net. Holden shot one over the net with 22 minutes remaining. Emery had two point blank shots that Solomon turned away.
“She (Solomon) made two unbelievable saves today,”Houlton coach Tim Tweedie said. “She has been one of our unheralded players, 11 shutouts on the season. I think she had her best game,the last game of the season.”
Solomon missed the playoffs each of her first two seasons due to injury. She made the most of her opportunity this season.
“Tessa (Solomon)has done a great job all season.,”Bouchard said. “This is her first year playing in the playoffs. She has been hurt the other years. She really wanted it.”
It is the first state title for Houlton girls soccer since 1987.
“Bouchard said, “a couple of our moms on the team were on that last team (in 1987).”
Lauren Hay made three saves on eight shots for the Bulldogs. Madison finishes the season 16-2.
