Multiple scorers highlight strong boys’ soccer season

JUNIOR MAX GULINO led the NRHS boys’ soccer team in scoring this year with 20 goals and 5 assists. (File Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — This season, the North Reading High boys’ soccer team had 12 different scorers which is three more than 2022.

“It is not often you have that many different scorers,” said Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano. “It is good to have that kind of balance.”

The team’s top goal scorer this fall was Max Gulino as the junior forward had 20 goals and five assists.

“His speed was his biggest threat,” said Bisognano “He was able to exploit the gaps in defenses and all of his goals came within 15 yards.”

Gulino scored six times last year improving by 14 this season.

Finn Rodger was the team leader in assist with 10 to go with his six goals.

“Finn had a tremendous season,” stated Bisognano, about the junior midfielder. “He has great vision and a great understanding of the game.”

Junior Kieran Miller was third in points as he had two goals and nine assists.

“He only played in 12 games,” pointed out Bisognano. “He had knee and ankle problems and we missed him when he was out. He was also our long-range sniper.”

Junior Matt Fleury had 10 points with seven goals and three assists.

“He had a steady year,” said Bisognano, about the midfielder. “He also took most of or free kicks.”

Davi Leao went 10-3-3 in goal as the sophomore had a goals-against average of 1.72.

Leao replaced Cam Parrett (1-0) as the junior got injured back in early September

Fellow 11th-grader, Nik Laverdiere played two games in net and went 1-1.

“We have three good goalies and we might move Davi out in the field next year,” said Bisognano, as he is happy with the depth he has in goal heading into next fall.

The Hornets lost in the first round of the MIAA Division 3 state tournament to Boston Latin Academy, 3-2, as they fell, 5-3, in the shootout.

Overall, they finished at 12-4-3. In the Cape Ann League, they finished at 12-2-2 as they came in 3^rd place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Lynnfield and Hamilton-Wenham.