Published in the September 23, 2015 edition
SENIOR CAPTAIN Abbie Weaver played a strong defensive game during the Pioneers’ 0-0 tie to Newburyport Sept. 16. (Maureen Doherty Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team lost to Masconomet and tied Newburyport last week.
The Pioneers (2-2-1) fell 3-1 to the Chieftains on Sept. 16.
Lynnfield jumped out to an early 1-0 lead at 9:41 in the first half after junior Liz Reed scored on a breakaway. The Pioneers’ backline kept Masco’s offense at bay for the first half and had a 1-0 lead at the break.
“I thought we did a good job of positioning and moving the ball for the majority of the first half,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “By the end of the half, Masco had begun to control the ball a bit more.”
Masco tied the game at one after scoring on a corner kick 12:14 into the second half. The Chieftains kept up the offensive pressure and took a 2-1 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining in the game.
“I thought that they were really pressing us and then the last 10 minutes or so,” said Vermont. “We began to battle back and (had) a few more opportunities to tie it.”
Masco scored its last goal with a minute-and-a-half remaining in the game.
“I thought we were a bit inconsistent in our play and in our defensive shape,” said Vermont. “We worked hard but Masco is a strong team and they finished their chances and we missed a few opportunities.”
Ties Newburyport
The Pioneers tied Newburyport 0-0 on Sept. 18.
Lynnfield came out strong during the first half and did a good job possessing the ball and playing tough defense. Vermont said the majority of the contest was played “between the 18 yard lines for both teams with neither team getting a lot of scoring chances.”
Senior goalie Kristen Buzzotta had a “huge save” three minutes remaining in the game, ensuring the tie and avoiding a third straight loss.
“All in all, I felt our intensity was great and we worked hard,” said Vermont.
Upcoming games
The Pioneers faced North Reading on Monday, Sept. 21, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield hosts Rockport on Thursday, Sept. 24, beginning at 4 p.m. The locals host Wayland on Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 11 a.m.
