Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Houghton played collegiate soccer at Division II Franklin Pierce University, where he was a four-year contributor as a midfielder for the Ravens. He earned various honors, including NE-10 All-Tournament Team, NCAA All-Tournament Team, and NE-10 All-Conference accolades, during his time on the pitch and tallied 13 goals and 12 assists in 66 collegiate contests.

As a junior, Houghton helped lead Franklin Pierce to the NCAA DII Final Four with the best record (21-1-1) in program history. He also served as a team captain during his senior season.