Published in the November 22, 2017 edition
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — Three members of the Lynnfield High boys’ soccer team recently received post-season honors for the Cape Ann League coaches. One Pioneer made the CAL First-Team All-Stars while two made the CAL Second-Team All-Stars.
Jon Luders made the first team as the junior striker led the team in points with 21. He scored ten goals to go with 11 assists and was also named to the Eastern Mass. All-Star team.
“Jon was one of the top players in our league,” stated Lynnfield head coach Brent Munroe.
Defenseman, Matt Ricciardi and David Gentile, made the CAL Second-Team All-Stars. Ricciardi is a senior while Gentile is a junior.
“Both of those guys had great years,” said Munroe.
The team also had its team banquet at the school on Nov. 13 and three awards were given out. Luders was named the team’s Most Valuable Player while Ricciardi received the Scholar Athlete Award. Junior midfielder Mike Gentile, David’s twin brother, took home the Most Improved Player Award.
The Pioneers lost 4-1 at Melrose in the first round of the Division 3 North state tournament on Nov. 3 to end the year at 8-8-3 overall. They went 6-7-3 in the Cape Ann League and finished in fourth place in the CAL Kinney division going 3-6-1.
Along with Ricciardi, the team will also lose three more seniors in Jeremy Banks (midfielder), Hunter Angelo (forward) and Joe Pavao (defenseman).
“This was one of my smaller senior classes,” pointed out Munroe, who just completed his 17th year at the helm. “They were all good kids and important players for us this year.”
Lynnfield is slated to return 13 veterans next year including two of the three All-Stars.
“I am very optimistic,” said Munroe, about next fall. “Not only do we have a lot of players back but we have them back at prime positions.”
Along with Luders and the Gentile bothers, they will also return goalkeeper Jack Campbell.
