Bangor’s George heading to UNH

Former Bangor High School soccer and hockey star Dylan George said he watched a lot of University of Maine soccer games growing up.

Next fall, he will be playing against the Black Bears.

George, who played soccer and hockey at Bridgton Academy this past year after graduating from Bangor High in 2006, will play soccer for the University of New Hampshire.

“I watched Maine for so many years, it will be weird seeing them play from the opposing bench,” said George. “I chose the school that was best for me athletically and academically. They have a great business program.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” added George, who was Bridgton’s leading scorer with 16 goals and five assists in 17 games last fall.

George said he won’t get any scholarship money this fall because it had already been allocated but UNH coach Rob Thompson told him he could earn scholarship money for the future if he proves himself.

The 6-foot, 165-pound George said the fact UNH is coming off a 12-5-3 season, its fourth-best in 47 years of the program, also impacted his decision.

“It was their best season in 10 years,” said the 19-year-old George, who was the Gatorade Player of the Year and an All-American at Bangor High his senior year.

He was also the Maine Soccer Coaches Association’s Player of the Year twice.

George had a school-record 52 goals, including 49 his last two seasons, and 21 assists during his career at Bangor High.

He was also an All-State hockey player.

George will be a striker or attacking midfielder at UNH.

“Coach Thompson said since they lost a couple of seniors up front, this will be an excellent opportunity for me to get some playing time so he can see what I have,” said George.

He knows there will be a significant adjustment.

“The biggest change will be the physical nature of the college game and the decision-making. You have to know what you’re going to do with the ball before you get it,” said George.