SENIOR CAPTAIN Dom Ferrante and the Pioneers are on a four-game winning streak. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — On Monday, the Lynnfield High boys’ soccer team shut out host Hamilton-Wenham 2-0 on a mild, sunny afternoon. The win was the fourth in a row for the Pioneers who improved to 4-1 overall and 4-0 in the Cape Ann League.

It was also their second shutout in a row as they handed the Generals (1-1-2) their first loss of the year.

“It was a hard-fought game,” said Lynnfield head coach Brent Munroe. “Hamilton-Wenham is always hard for us to play, especially up there.”

After a scoreless opening half, the Pioneers broke the ice with a little over 18 minutes left in the game. Nickson Joseph had the first tally assisted by senior co-captain, Dom Ferrante.

Joseph, a senior, also had the second tally with eight minutes remaining in the game. His goal came off a steal by junior Alex Gentile who fed Joseph.

“Nickson played junior varsity the last three years and he has become a major contributor for us,” said Munroe, about the striker.

Kellen Cardinal made three saves in goal in the first half. Chase Carney had three stops in the second half to go to 3-1 in net.

“The defense played really well for us,” added Munroe.

On Sept. 15, the Pioneers blanked Rockport 4-0 at home.

Lynnfield led 1-0 at halftime as they scored three times in the second stanza.

“We could have scored more,” recalled Munroe. “We did a better job of putting home our chances in the second half.”

Joseph and junior midfielder Owen Klee both found the back of the Viking net twice. Both of Klee’s goals came in the second half.

Carney made one save in the first half to pick up the win while Cardinal also made one save in the second half as both goalies had an easy day in net.

On Sept. 22, the Pioneers have a tough test as they visit 5-0 Newburyport. They then go to Masconomet on Sept. 24 for a non-league game. It will be the first non-league game between the two schools as Masco left the CAL for the Northeastern Conference last September.

Lynnfield then returns to CAL action on Sept. 27 as they visit Pentucket.

All three games will start at 3:45 p.m.