Published in the September 28, 2016 edition
CAPTAIN Sydney Santosuosso (17) completes a header while in traffic during the Pioneers’ 1-0 victory over North Reading Sept. 21. (John Friberg Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team compiled a 2-1 record last week, improving the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 4-3.
The Pioneers crushed Rockport 5-0 Sept. 23.
Senior captain Liz Reed scored the locals’ first goal of the game 8:19 into the first half, assisted by captain Liz Shaievitz.
Junior Grace Sperling scored the Pioneers’ second goal at 32:37 of the first half after junior Sydney Santosuosso completed a pass to junior Kate Mithcell, who nailed a cross to Sperling for the goal.
“It was a great goal,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont.
Reed scored her second goal of the contest 34:43 of the first half. Senior Christa Romano and Mitchell were credited with the assists. The goal gave the Pioneers a 3-0 lead at the break.
Junior Maddie Gibbons scored the Pioneers’ fourth goal six minutes into the second half, assisted by freshman Anna Ferrante.
Ferrante scored the locals’ final goal off a penalty kick with three minutes remaining in the game.
Junior Mackenzie O’Neill started in net during the first half and had one save. Sophomore Emily Dickey had one save in net during the second half.
“We played well,” said Vermont. “Even though the score was 5-0, Rockport did not quit and fought us the whole way.”
Vermont said Reed and Mitchell “played very well” against the Vikings.
Stings Hornets
Lynnfield defeated archrival North Reading 1-0 Sept. 21.
The first half was a back and forth game between the Pioneers and Hornets but neither team managed to find the back of the net and the game was tied 0-0 at halftime.
After a scoreless first half, Sperling scored the locals’ only goal of the contest seven minutes in the second half. Reed had the assist.
The Pioneers played tough defense for the remainder of the game and hung on for the first victory.
“Our defense was strong,” said Vermont.
Vermont commended the locals’ performance against North Reading.
“Lynnfield and North Reading is always a great battle,” said Vermont. “The kids are always geared up whenever we play North Reading. The rivalry always brings out the best of both teams.”
Vermont said Reed, Santosuosso and Sperling “did a nice job in the middle” against North Reading.
Clipped by Newburyport
The Pioneers began last week falling 1-0 to Newburyport Sept. 19.
Vermont said the locals’ game against Newburyport was an “end to end game.” The game was deadlocked at zero at halftime.
The Clippers scored the game’s only goal with seven minutes remaining in the game.
“It’s always a great game whenever we play against Newburyport,” said Vermont. “It was a tough loss. We had our chances and they had chances. The defense did a great job and the midfield worked hard.”
