Parker Kennedy of the Mt. Abram soccer team attempts to head-in this corner kick against a Mountain Valley defense. MTA hosted a preseason tourney last Saturday where nearly a dozen teams arrived. (David Hart photo) SALEM — The Mt. Abram soccer season is approaching with preseason scrimmages occurring this week. Thursday, the boys’ junior varsity and varsity clubs travel to Mt. Blue to take on the Cougars in preseason action. Friday, the two Mt. Abram girls’ teams will head to Skowhegan.

The season kicks off with an away game Sept. 3 with varsity action against Lisbon. The girls’ varsity club will start at 3 p.m. and the boys will follow at 5 p.m.

In his 10th year, girls’ varsity coach Marc Keller will take the helm after losing nine girls to graduation last year. “We are a young team. We do have some experience coming back but we starting some young players in some key positions,” Keller explained from the sidelines recently.

Last Saturday, the Mt. Abram soccer program hosted the 7th Annual Roadrunner Classic with nearly a dozen teams participating from Class B through D.

Keller explained that they may not be the top team this year but will surprise some people with what they do have.

Keller said he’s returning only a handful of starters from last year so the newcomers will definitely need to step up. His experienced players will be spread out throughout the field and include athletes such as Brianna Daly, Emily Eames, Molly McCafferty, Holly Thomas and Helena Williams.

Boys’ home action will kick off at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 with a varsity-only game against Livermore Falls.

Roadrunner varsity coach Mark Lopez said he lost about eight or nine players to graduation last year. “We scored 42 goals last year and 33 of those goals are off players who graduated,” Lopez explained last Saturday.

“This large junior class this year is going to be the engine. I’m going to have to find out if a lot of these kids can make the car go.”

Lopez said he has a small senior class of players with only four players and one hurt with a back injury. “The juniors will have to pull their weight. I also have three maybe four sophomores who are really looking good. I’m looking for them to play a major role.”

Lopez mentioned the improved play of sophomores Ian James, Jay Chenard and Ethan Boyd. “I knew I would have to depend on them somewhat, and I am very pleased with where they are at in their game and they’re only going to get stronger.”

Lopez mentioned that goalkeeper Josh Beedy returning will add to a strong defense and three of his seniors are defensive minded. “I should be able to build a strong defense, the question is can we put the ball in the net.”

Lopez mentioned that juniors Coulin Logan and Parker Kennedy received some quality varsity minutes last year and that experience should be beneficial. He also commended Keenan Dock for being a fireplug all over the field.

“Every game is important,” Keller explained. “In order for us to be successful we need to beat the teams that we need to beat and then pick up a win here and there that are unexpected. These girls will have a great season with all that they’ll learn. Already I’ve seen great improvement and it’s only been a week,” Keller explained.

He predicted that if they play to their potential, they’ll have a good shot at making it to the playoffs.

Keller explained that stepping up this year will be players such as Jill Howard, Lindsay Beane, Erin Luce and Elise Luce. “They don’t have a lot of varsity experience, but I’ve been very pleased with how far they’ve come to this point,” Keller said.

Keller also commended the play of freshman goalkeeper Allie Lopez explaining that the position of guarding the net was open.

In terms of starters Keller said that he has some things set in his mind in terms of combinations, but much of the game plan is “still up in the air.”

“I’m impressed with the work ethic the girls have shown thus far. They’re working really hard out there. They have a true willingness to learn and try just about anything that I give them.”

The home opener for the Lady Roadrunners will occur Tuesday, Sept. 7 with a JV and varsity battle with St. Dom’s. The JV team will kick off at 5 p.m. followed by a night Mountain Valley Conference varsity match-up. Thursday, Sept. 9, the Lady Roadrunners will host Carrabec. Varsity action will commence at 4 p.m. with JV to follow at 5:30.

Jim Danala returns as the boys’ junior varsity coach and Monica Hedstrom will take the helm for the girls’ JV.