LYNNFIELD defeated Triton 5-1 on Monday at Pioneer Stadium to improve to 2-1 on the season. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High boys soccer team improved to 2-1 overall on Monday afternoon as they rolled over Triton 5-1 in their home opener on a warm, sunny day.

Leading 1-0 at halftime, the Pioneers erupted for four goals in the second half to turn the game into a rout.

“We controlled the play the entire game,” pointed out Lynnfield head coach Brent Munroe, whose squad went to 2-0 in the Cape Ann League. “The difference is that we were able to finish off plays in the second half.”

Freshman Joel Anthony scored his first-career goal for the lone tally in the opening half.

In the second stanza, Owen Klee found the back of the Viking net twice while Dylan Reilly and Nickson Joseph scored once.

Triton was able to avoid the shutout scoring with a little over 12 minutes left when the score was already 5-0.

Kellen Cardinal made two saves in goal in the first half to go to 1-0. Chase Carney had one stop in the second half.

In the CAL opener last Friday night, the Pioneers nipped host North Reading 2-1.

“That was a very good win for us,” said Munroe. “They have a very good team.”

North Reading scored first midway through the opening half.

The Pioneers tied it on a own goal as, off a free kick, the ball went off a Hornet player’s head into his own net.

“That definitely helped us,” admitted Munroe. “That goal might have taken a little wind out of their sails.”

With a little over 15 minutes left in the game, Joseph got the game-winner assisted by Jake Mallet.

Carney, a senior who moved to goalkeeper this season, recorded his first varsity win by making seven saves.

In the season opener on Sept. 8, the Pioneers fell to host North Andover by a final of 6-1. This game was originally supposed to have been a Lynnfield home game but was moved do to a scheduling conflict.

“Along with Masconomet, they are the toughest team we will play this year,” said Munroe, about the Scarlet Knights. “They are one of the better teams in Division 2.”

North Andover, who plays in the Merrimack Valley Conference, is a perennial power and is one division ahead of the Pioneers who are a Div. 3 team.

The Scarlet Knights raced out to a 4-0 halftime lead. Alex Gentile made it 4-1 early in the second half assisted by Joseph.

However, the hosts answered that tally with two more of their own.

Carney was very busy in net as he made 10 saves.

On Sept. 15, the Pioneers host Rockport. They then visit Hamilton-Wenham on Sept. 20.

Both games will start at 3:45 p.m.