FINN RODGER scored a goal to tie the game and assisted on the eventual game-winner in NR’s thrilling, 3-1 win over rival Lynnfield on Tuesday at NRHS. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

 

After press time:
North Reading defeats Georgetown 7-1 (Oct. 17)

 

 

Published October 17, 2024

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — First place in the Cape Ann League Kinney Division was on the line on Tuesday afternoon as the North Reading High boys’ soccer team hosted rival Lynnfield on a sunny, cool, day.

In the first meeting, the game ended in a scoreless tie back on Sept. 19.

This time, however, the Hornets ended up winning 3-1 to put themselves into the driver’s seat for the league crown.

“This was our biggest win of the season,” stated Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano. “We had a great crowd show up and it was an awesome atmosphere.”

Things did not start off well as the Pioneers got fouled in the box and scored on the penalty kick in the game’s 16th minute.

However, the Hornets needed just 14 seconds to tie the game up as senior captain Finn Rodger scored assisted by senior captain Max Gulino.

 

MAX GULINO had an assist in NR’s victory over Lynnfield this week and collected his second hat trick of his career in a 5-0 win over Pentucket last week. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

In the 23rd minute, junior Davi Leao scored the eventual game-winning goal with Rodger assisting.

“That was a nice play with good passing,” said Bisognano.

Two minutes later, junior Seth Evans scored the insurance goal assisted by senior captain Matt Fleury.

The second half was scoreless although both schools had some good chances.

Hornet senior goalie, Cam Parrett, made three saves to go to 13-0-1 in net.

“They have a lot of strong players and they have a very good goalkeeper,” said Bisognano, about the Pioneers, who are the defending Division 4 state champions. “If they get their top scorer back, who is out with an injury, they should have a deep run in Division 4.”

North Reading improved to 13-0-1 with the win and 12-0-1 in the CAL as they beat the Pioneers for the first time since the 2020 season.

Lynnfield, meanwhile fell to 9-2-3 overall and 9-1-2 in the CAL.

On Oct. 10, the Hornets posted their sixth-consecutive shutout as they beat Pentucket, 5-0, at home. North Reading completed the season sweep over the Panthers as they beat them, 5-1, back on Sept. 10.

North Reading led 3-0 at the half as they scored three times in a 30-second span.

“I have never seen that kind of blitz before in such a short span,” said Bisognano.

Gulino recorded his first hat trick of the season and second of his career. Leao and senior captain Jackson Wesley had the two other goals.

Gulino also had one assist while Rodger, the team’s assist leader, had two.

“Max has great speed and is a great one-on-one player,” said Bisognano, about the striker.

Parrott made two stops for his ninth shutout of the year.

On Oct. 17, the Hornets visit Georgetown at 4:30 p.m. They then host Hamilton-Wenham on Oct. 22 with that game happening under the lights at 6:30 p.m.

That night is also the Hornets’ Senior Night as the 12 seniors will be honored before the game.

North Reading entered this week seeded 8th by the MIAA in the Division 3 power rankings.