THE LHS boys’ soccer team stands ready to take on rival North Reading on Sept. 19 at Pioneer Stadium. A hard-fought 0-0 tie ensued as both teams remain at the top of the CAL standings heading into this week. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Ipswich 2-1 (Sept. 26)
Lynnfield defeats Pentucket 2-0 (Sept. 24)

 

Published September 25, 2024

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — On Monday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ soccer team lost at home to Masconomet, 2-0, in a non-league game.

The loss was the first of the season for the Pioneers who fell to 5-1-2 on the season.

“They have a lot of talent and move well without the ball,” said Lynnfield head coach Brent Munroe.

With the win, the Chieftains, who used to be in the Cape Ann League are now in the Northeastern Conference, improved to 7-1.

“They should go deep into the Division 2 state tournament,” added Munroe, as Masco is two divisions above the Division 4 Pioneers.

Masco scored their first goal 25 minutes into the first half. Their second tally took place with just over 16 minutes remaining in the game.

“We did have a couple of good chances,” pointed out Munroe.

On a rainy, cool day last Saturday, the Pioneers played their first non-league game of the season as they traveled to Manning Field to take on St. Mary’s of Lynn.

The game ended in a 1-1 tie as the Spartans improved to 3-1-1 overall.

“It was disappointing because they scored on a penalty kick in the final minute of the game,” pointed out Munroe.

Lynnfield was called for a handball in the box and Eider Solis was able to convert for the home team.

Lynnfield’s goal also came on a penalty kick as Joel Anthony was fouled in the box 10 minutes into the second half and Rocco Scenna scored going to the bottom right side of the net.

“They controlled the play in the first half,” admitted Munroe. “But, we controlled it in the second half.”

Kelan Cardinal made four saves in net.

“They are a division up on us so this tie should help us in the power rankings,” pointed out Munroe, as the Spartans are a Division 3 team.

Last year, the two teams also played to a 1-1 tie.

On Sept. 19, it was a battle of the un-beatens as rival North Reading came to town for a night game.

After the game, the two schools stayed undefeated as the game ended in a scoreless tie.

“They have a very good team,” stated Munroe, whose squad went to 5-0-1 in the Cape Ann League. “This was a hard-fought game in front of our biggest crowd of the year.”

Despite not winning, Munroe was happy with the draw.

“They controlled most of the game so I was happy to get out with the tie,” said Munroe. “They are the best team we have faced so far along with Masconomet.”

The Hornets out-shot the Pioneers, 8-3, as Cardinal made all eight stops.

On Sept. 17, the Pioneers blanked guest Hamilton-Wenham, 5-0.

“They are a better team than the final score shows,” said Munroe, about the Generals.

Lynnfield scored twice in the first half and three more times in the second.

In the 10th-minute, Scenna scored assisted by Anthony.

Anthony then made it 2-0 10 minutes later with Scenna assisting.

Five minutes into the second stanza, Anthony netted his second goal with Matt Reinold assisting.

A few minutes later, Ollie Morgan had the fourth tally with Reinold assisting again.

Reinold then had the final goal with 19 minutes left. Anthony assisted.

“Rocco, Joel and Matt have rally stepped their game up this season,” said Munroe.

Cardinal had an easy day in goal having to only make one stop to get the shutout.

The next game for the Pioneers will be on Sept. 26 as they host Ipswich at 4 p.m.

On Oct. 1, the Pioneers welcome Triton under the lights with that game starting at 6 p.m.