THE LHS boys’ soccer team has two shutouts to start the 2024 season, their most recent coming against a strong Newburyport team, 1-0 on Sept. 5 in the home-opener. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Georgetown 5-1 (Sept. 12)
Lynnfield defeats Essex Tech 3-1 (Sept. 10)

 


By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — In a hard-fought game on Sept. 5, the Lynnfield High boys’ soccer team nipped visiting Newburyport, 1-0, to go to 2-0 overall and in the Cape Ann League.

The lone goal of the afternoon took place with just over four minutes remaining in the first half as senior midfielder Matt Reinold scored, unassisted.

“He made a great effort on that play,” said Pioneers head coach Brent Munroe.

In the second half, the Clippers dominated the territorial play but were unable to score.

“They outplayed us overall, especially in that second half,” admitted Munroe. “Kelan (Cardinal) made some big stops and the defense played well.”

Cardinal made six saves in net to go to 2-0.

Munroe felt the weather played a big role in why the Clippers were able to control the territorial play.

“They are a deeper team than we are,” pointed out Munroe. “It was a very hot day and we were starting to run out of gas while they used their bench more.”

In the season opener on Sept. 3, the Pioneers beat host Triton, 5-0, up in Byfield.

Lynnfield scored twice in the first half and three more times in the second.

“They are a rebuilding team this season,” said Munroe, about the Vikings.

Reinold scored two minutes into the game assisted by Ollie Morgan.

Rocco Schena made it 2-0 midway through the first half, with Reinold assisting.

In the second half, sophomore Brenden Reilly scored the third tally eight minutes in with Schena assisting.

Schena then picked up his third point of the afternoon with his second goal with just over 20 minutes remaining in the game. The goal by the junior captain was unassisted.

Senior midfielder, Joel Anthony, had the final goal with 16 minutes remaining and that was also unassisted.

Cardinal had an easy day in net as the senior co-captain only had to make one stop.

Lynnfield’s next game is on Thursday as they host Georgetown at 4 p.m.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Pioneers welcome Hamilton-Wenham under the lights at 6 p.m.