DAVI LEAO wins a battle for possession against an Ipswich opponent. The junior goalkeeper-turned-forward scored four goals in NR’s 8-2 victory over Manchester-Essex on Tuesday. (Eric Evans Photo)

 


After press time:
North Reading ties Lynnfield 0-0 (Sept. 19)

 

Published September 19, 2024

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — It was a great day for the North Reading High boys’ soccer team on Tuesday afternoon as they stomped Manchester-Essex, 8-2, on the road on a sunny, hot day.

With that victory, the Hornets improved to 5-0 overall and in the Cape Ann League.

“They are a better team than the final would indicate,” said North Reading head coach Mark Bisognano, about the home team. “We did a great job of exploiting the weaknesses in their defense.”

North Reading led this game 6-0 at the half as both schools scored twice in the second stanza.

Davi Leao had a memorable day scoring four times while Finn Rodger also had an outstanding match with two goals and four assists.

“Davi is coming into his own,” said Bisognano, about the striker who was the team’s goalie last year. “He has scored six goals in his last three games.”

Senior co-captain, Matt Fleury, and Joe Serra had the two other goals. For Serra, a junior, it was his first-career goal.

Goalkeeper, Cam Parrett, made two stops to go to 5-0.

On Sept. 12, the Hornets shut out Ipswich, 3-0, at home.

In the first minute of the game, Max Gulino scored assisted by Leao.

“That goal set the tone for the rest of the game,” recalled Bisognano

In the last minute of the opening half, Leao made it 2-0 with Rodger assisting.

Peter Plavins then scored his first-career goal in the 78th minute to round out the scoring with Rodger assisting.

“We were able to control the ball and limit their chances,” said Bisognano, as his squad dominated the territorial play.

Parrott record his first shutout of the year in net with three saves.

On Sept. 19, the biggest game of the year will take place up to this point as the Hornets visit rival Lynnfield at 6:30 p.m.

The Pioneers, who are the defending Division 4 state champions, also enter the game undefeated as the winner of this one will have the inside track to the CAL Kinney Division crown.

“We got a little chip on our shoulder heading into this game,” admitted Bisognano.

The Hornets then host Newburyport on Sept. 24 with that game starting at 4:45 p.m.