Published in the October 21, 2015 edition
JUNIOR Liz Reed (9) scored two goals during the Pioneers’ 3-2 victory over Triton Oct. 13. She also scored a goal during the Pioneers’ 2-2 tie against Pentucket on Oct. 15. (John Friberg Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team is back in the Division 3 North state tournament after the Pioneers defeated Triton and tied Pentucket last week.
“Making the tournament is our first goal as a team and we are proud we were able to do that in such a tough league,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “We now have to get as good of a seed as we can.”
The Pioneers (9-4-2) defeated Triton 3-2 on Oct. 13.
Junior Liz Reed scored the Pioneers’ first goal of the game 7:32 into the first half, assisted by senior captain Lexi Yannone. The Vikings tied the game at one after finding the back of the net with 13 minutes left in the first half.
The Pioneers took a 2-1 lead two minutes after Triton scored when Reed scored on a breakaway. Lynnfield had a 2-1 lead at the break.
Triton tied the game 2-2 after scoring on a corner kick 12 minutes into the second half.
The Pioneers and Vikings battled tooth and nail down the stretch, but senior captain Abbie Weaver broke the defensive stalemate when she scored a goal with four minutes remaining in the game. Yannone was credited with the assist.
“It was a great goal,” said Vermont.
Vermont praised the Pioneers’ performance against Triton.
“It was a great battle,” said Vermont. “The girls played hard in what was a tournament-type of game.”
Ties Pentucket
The Pioneers tied Pentucket 2-2 on Oct. 15.
The Sachems jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Pentucket scored its first goal two minutes into the game and scored its second goal halfway through the first half.
Undaunted, Weaver scored the locals’ first goal with nine minutes remaining before halftime. Yannone and senior midfielder Renee DelNegro were credited with the assists.
Lynnfield tied the game at two after Reed scored a goal off a penalty kick with 12 minutes remaining in the game.
“I thought we played well for 35 to 40 minutes,” said Vermont. “We were slow in the beginning of the game and Pentucket took advantage of it. After we scored our first goal, we started playing with more purpose and intensity, which was needed for the whole game.”
Vermont commended sophomore midfielder Grace Sperling’s performance against the Sachems.
“Grace brought physicality to the game,” said Vermont. “She did a nice job battling for 50-50 balls.”
Upcoming games
The Pioneers traveled to Masconomet on Tuesday, Oct. 20, taking place after deadline. The locals travel to Newburyport on Friday, Oct. 23, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Lynnfield hosts North Reading on Tuesday, Oct. 27, beginning at 5 p.m.
