Undefeated boys’ soccer team claims Cape Ann League title

THE NRHS boys’ soccer team are the 2024 CAL Kinney Division champions. The Hornets were ranked No. 8 in the latest Div. 3 power rankings. (Eric Evans Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — For only the second time in team history, the North Reading High boys’ soccer team finished the year undefeated.

On Tuesday afternoon, they blanked guest Andover, 4-0, in a non-league contest in the regular-season finale.

With the win, the Hornets finished the regular season at  16-0-2 overall as they matched the 1992 team that was the other unbeaten squad.

This game was scoreless at the half as the Hornets erupted for four goals in the second half.

“It seems like we score a lot in bunches this year,” said Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano. “We knocked on the door in the first half but their goalie made some great saves. Once we scored, the flood gates opened.”

In the eighth minute of the second stanza, Matt Fleury scored assisted by Nico Lopes and Finn Rodger.

Only 26 seconds later, Max Gulino made it 2-0 with Rodger assisting.

In the 53rd minute, Davi Leao had the third goal with Lopes assisting.

Rodger had the final tally in the game’s 62nd minute.

Hornet goalie, Cam Parrett, made four saves to go to 16-0-2 in net as he posted his 11th shutout of the season.

CAM PARRETT earned his 11th shutout of the season in NR’s finale against Andover on Tuesday. (Eric Evans Photo)

In their final Cape Ann League game of the season on Oct. 24, the Hornets beat Newburyport, 4-1, on the road.

North Reading finished at 14-0-2 in the league as they completed the season sweep over the Clippers who they defeated, 2-1, back on Sept. 24.

The Clippers actually scored first off a free kick in the game’s 30th minute.

One minute later, Lopes tied the game up, unassisted.

Five minutes later, Lopes scored the eventual-game-winning goal assisted by Duncan Gulino.

With just over two minutes remaining in the half, Rodger made it 3-1 with Max Gulino assisting.

The final goal of the day took place in the fifth minute of the second half as, off a free kick, Jackson Wesley scored assisted by Rodger.

Parrett only had to make two stops in net.

The Hornets entered this week seeded 8^th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings.

They will find out on Nov. 1 who they will host in the first round of the state tournament.

Also, on Nov. 1, the Hornets host Tyngsboro in a scrimmage at 5 p.m. as a tune up for the tournament as they probably won’t be playing until sometime in the middle of next week.