Published in the September 7, 2016 edition
PIONEER soccer tri-captains (from left): junior Matt Ricciardi and senior three-year starters Will Klotzbier and Matt Seelig look to lead Lynnfield to the Div. 4 North tourney. Ricciardi anchors the defense, Klotzbier takes over center midfield, and Seelig’s scoring power will be key to the team’s success. (Maureen Doherty Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ soccer team is back in action this week and is looking to return to the Division 4 North state tournament.
The Pioneers concluded last season with a 7-7-5 record and failed to make the state tournament. With a promising nucleus returning to the field this fall, the Pioneers have high hopes for the upcoming season.
“I think we are looking pretty good,” said Pioneers head coach Brent Munroe. “We have a lot of good players returning. I am happy with the way things have gone so far.”
Three captains will lead the Pioneers this season, including center midfielder Matt Seelig.
“Matt was our top scorer last year and is a three year varsity player,” said Munroe. “I am expecting him to be one of the top offensive players in the league.”
Senior captain Will Klotzbier is a center midfielder and will be playing a key role on defense this fall.
“Will is a three year varsity player and he started in the midfield for us last year,” said Munroe. “I expect him to be one of our top players again this year.”
Junior captain Matt Ricciardi will be playing outside midfield this season.
“Matt was one of our starting defenders last year,” said Munroe. “We decided to move him up to midfield this year.”
The Pioneers have several other key players returning this season, including senior defenseman Mike Carangelo.
“I am expecting Mike to play center back,” said Munroe. “He is going to be an important player for us this season.”
Senior Ian Ross will be playing center midfield this fall.
“(Ross) is another strong player who is going to be playing in the middle of the field for us,” said Munroe.
Senior Patrick Passatempo is going to be playing upfront for the Pioneers.
“Patrick was a starting forward for us last year and he is starting up front again,” said Munroe.
Munroe said the Pioneers have two sophomores who will be playing important roles this fall.
Jonathan Luders will be playing forward for the locals.
“(Luders) played for us last year but he had some injuries,” said Munroe. “I have high hopes for him this year. He is a very talented player. I think he is going to be a big time player.”
Nathan Bass will be playing an important role in the midfield.
“(Bass) is a highly skilled player who is going to be playing on the outside,” said Munroe. “He is going to be a big part of our offensive attack.”
Munroe said the Pioneers’ depth will be the locals’ biggest strength this season.
“I think we are pretty balanced,” said Munroe. “The one thing I am excited about is we are further along defensively than we have been in previous years.”
When asked what the Pioneers need to work, Munroe commented “everything.”
“We have to keep working on getting better,” said Munroe. “I think we are in a good spot.”
The Pioneers have already played two scrimmages against Reading and Swampscott, which Munroe said were good tests for the locals. The Pioneers scrimmaged Wilmington on Sept. 3 and Marblehead on Sept. 6, both taking place after deadline.
Lynnfield hosts Triton in the season opener on Friday, Sept. 9, beginning at 3:45 p.m.
