Published in the October 25, 2017 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team went 2-1 last week, bringing the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 11-3-2.
The Pioneers began last week defeating Manchester-Essex on Oct. 16. Before the game, the locals honored senior captains Liz Shaievitz, Kate Mitchell and Sydney Santosuosso as well as fellow seniors Gracie Sperling, Mackenzie O’Neill, Brie Giamarco, Juliana Passatempo, Maddie Gibbons, Olivia Smyrnios, Mia Ford, Christina Benvenuto, Olivia Montanile, Christina Montanile and Hannah Filipe during Lynnfield’s Senior Night celebration.
Lynnfield and Manchester-Essex battled for the entire first half, resulting in a 0-0 tie. The contest remained a defensive battle until Sperling found the back of the net with six minutes remaining in the game. Mitchell and Shaievitz were credited with the assists.
“Gracie played a very good game,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont.
Vermont was pleased with Lynnfield’s performance against the Hornets.
“Manchester-Essex is a very tough and fast team,” said Vermont. “The seniors played very well. We wanted to win for the seniors. Nobody gave up and we got one at the end of the game to get the win.”
Defeats Pentucket
The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Pentucket 3-0 on Oct. 18.
Shaievitz gave the Pioneers a 1-0 lead three minutes into the first half. Santosuosso had the assist. The locals took a 1-0 lead at the break.
Lynnfield took a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game after Mitchell found the back of the net. Gibbons had the assist.
Filipe scored the Pioneers’ final goal offer a corner kick with one minute remaining in the game.
“It was the first goal of Hannah’s career,” said Vermont. “She is a defender and has played defense her whole career. She hasn’t had a lot of chances to score, and it’s great she was able to put one in.”
Vermont said the Pioneers played well against the Sachems.
“It was a 3-0 game, but it was played closer than that,” said Vermont. “Pentucket is a very strong team. Fortunately, we scored twice at the end to put it away.”
Loss to Masco
The Pioneers concluded last week falling 3-0 to Masco Oct. 24.
The game was tied 0-0 at halftime. Masco scored its first goal nine minutes into the second half.
The Chieftains scored its second goal 15 minutes into the second half. Masco scored its final goal 23 minutes into the second half.
Vermont said sophomore Liz Sykes played a strong defensive game against Masco.
“Liz has been playing a lot at sweeper,” said Vermont. “She did a tremendous job in the back.”
Vermont said Masco controlled the game against Lynnfield.
“It’s always a battle when we play Masco,” said Vermont. “They controlled a lot of the game and capitalized on a couple of our mistakes.”