LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team concluded last week with a win and two losses.
The Pioneers (3-2-1) edged Hamilton-Wenham 2-1 on Sept. 20.
Senior captain Lexi Veglia scored Lynnfield’s first goal 11 minutes into the first half.
“There was a scramble in the box, and Lexi was able to put it in,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “Lexi has been working hard and her goal was a good way for us to start the game.”
The Generals tied the game at one at the 18-minute mark of the first half. The contest was tied 1-1 at the break.
The second half was a defensive battle between the Lynnfield and Hamilton-Wenham, as both squads fought for possession in the midfield.
Senior captain Adri Parisi broke the defensive stalemate after burying a shot with 11 minutes remaining in the second half. Sophomore midfielder Ally Sykes and junior forward Abi Travers were credited with the assists.
Lynnfield’s defense hung tough for the remainder of the game, which allowed the Pioneers to hang on for the 2-1 victory.
Senior captain Sam Bunar tallied four saves in net for the Pioneers.
“Our defense did a nice job,” said Vermont.
Vermont commended the Pioneers’ poise against the Generals.
“Hamilton-Wenham is always tough and is well coached,” said Vermont. “They are a strong team, and it was a big win for us.”
Clipped by Newburyport
Lynnfield fell 2-0 to rival Newburyport on Sept. 22.
The Clippers took a 1-0 lead five minutes into the first half. Newburyport scored its final goal a minute later.
“It was tough giving up two goals to Newburyport in the first six minutes,” said Vermont. “We needed to do a better job matching their intensity.”
Vermont said the Pioneers played better for the rest of the contest, but Lynnfield was unable to find the back of the net.
“We settled down and it was an evenly matched game,” said Vermont. “We have had a great rivalry with Newburyport over the years.”
Vermont said Sykes and sophomore forward Keely Briggs both played strong games against the Clippers.
“Ally and Keely played very well,” said Vermont.
Falls to Danvers
The Pioneers fell 4-1 to Danvers on Sept. 25.
The Falcons jumped out to a 1-0 lead after Danvers scored one minute into the game.
Freshman midfielder Clara Caulfied knotted the score at one after she scored on a penalty kick 11 minutes into the first half.
“It was Clara’s first varsity goal,” said Vermont. “She played a very good game for us.”
Danvers took a 2-1 lead with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. The Falcons found the back of the net a third time a minute after Danvers scored its second goal.
The Falcons scored its final goal five minutes into the first second half.
“Danvers is one of the best teams in the state in my opinion,” said Vermont. “Danvers scored on three breakaways and capitalized on their chances. Despite giving up three breakaways, we fought hard and stayed in the game.”
Upcoming games
The Pioneers hosted Pentucket on Monday, Sept. 27, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield hosts Georgetown on Wednesday, Sept. 29, beginning at 6 p.m. The Pioneers travel to Triton on Friday, Oct. 1, beginning at 3:45 p.m.
