THE SENIORS were honored before their game against Essex Tech on Saturday. Pictured in the front row from left to right, is Joel Anthony, Charlie Morgan and Matt Reinold. In the back row from left is Tyler Maddocks, Kelan Cardinal, Chris Calnan, Dillon Reilly and Alex Adreani. (Courtesy Photo)

 

After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Pentucket 3-0 (Oct. 24)
Lynnfield defeats Amesbury 5-0 (Oct. 22)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — Last Saturday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ soccer team was edged, 2-1, by visiting Essex Tech on Lynnfield’s Senior Day. The Hawks were able to get a season split against the Pioneers as Lynnfield won the first meeting, 3-1, back on Sept. 10.

The Pioneers scored first as a Hawk hand ball allowed Rocco Scenna to attempt a penalty kick and he scored 10 minutes in.

That lead held until there was just over 12 minutes left in the game as Brendan Jones scored to tie the game.

Jones then got the game-winner five minutes later heading in a Hawk free kick.

“We should have been up three or four goals by the time they scored their first,” said Lynnfield head coach Brent Munroe. “We didn’t capitalize on our opportunities and they did late so I give them credit.”

With that defeat, the Pioneers record dipped to 10-3-3 overall and 10-2-2 in the Cape Ann League. Meanwhile, the Hawks improved to 8-7 overall and 7-7 in the CAL.

Before the game, the seven Pioneer 12th-graders were honored.

On Oct. 17, the Pioneers blanked Rockport, 3-0, on the road.

“It was a lot closer than the final score would indicate,” explained Munroe. “It was scoreless at halftime.”

Joel Anthony broke the ice in the 52nd minute assisted by Matt Reinold.

Ten minutes later, Scenna made it 2-0 with Reinold assisting.

Reinold then had his career-high third assist and Brendan Reilly scored with just over seven minute left.

“Matt has had a great season,” stated Munroe. “He is second in scoring behind Rocco and is first in assists. He is great at seeing plays develop.”

Cardinal made five stops in that game to post the shutout.

On Oct. 15, Lynnfield fell 3-1 at North Reading as the Pioneers went 0-1-1 against the Hornets this fall.

Things got off to a good start as Anthony got fouled in the box and Scenna scored on the penalty kick in the game’s 16th minute.

However, the Hornets just needed 14 seconds to tie the game up as Finn Rodger scored assisted by Max Gulino.

In the 23rd minute, Davi Leao scored the eventual game-winning goal with Rodger assisting.

Two minutes later, Seth Evans scored the insurance goal assisted by Matt Fleury.

“They outplayed us,” admitted Munroe. “That final goal kind of took the wind out of our sails.”

Munroe acknowledged that the undefeated Hornets are the best team in the CAL this season. The good news is that North Reading is a division ahead of the Pioneers so this loss doesn’t hurt as much in the power rankings.

Kelan Cardinal turned back eight Hornet shots in net.

The Pioneers wrap up the regular season on Oct. 24 as they host Pentucket at 4 p.m. Lynnfield beat the Panthers, 2-0, in the first meeting back on Sept. 24.

Lynnfield entered this week ranked 5th in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings.