Published November 1, 2018

By DAN NUNN

NORTH READING — Sophomore Mark Tramontozzi scored his first varsity goal to help lead the Hornets to their 2-1 road victory over the Austin Prep Cougars on Thursday night. Senior captain David Tingley scored as well.

NRHS controlled possession in the first half, but for the first 15 minutes they struggled to solve Austin Prep’s offside trap. Finally though, in the 23rd minute, the Hornets broke through when Tingley got behind the defense, collected a perfectly weighted pass from Tramontozzi and placed his shot just inside the left post. Right before the half it appeared NRHS scored again but Tingley was called offside and the lead remained 1-0 at the break. 

In the second half, the Hornets put the Cougars under constant pressure. Eight minutes into the half, Tramontozzi extended the lead when he rifled a right-footed shot into the left corner of the goal.  Austin Prep added a goal in the 70th minute but the North Reading defense was able to hold the lead. 

SENIOR SALUTE: The 14 seniors on the North Reading boys’ soccer team were recognized before last week’s match against Triton. Those playing in their final home game were (left to right): Trevor Wilson, David Tingley, Sean Haynes, Ryan Veneziano, Joey Disanto, Matthew Supple, Ahmed Benefone, Duncan Macneil, Francis Walsh, Casey Robarts, Owen Carlson, Ben Tayas, Kevin Wall and Alex Beherrell. The Hornets won two of their final three matches on the fall, including a 5-0 victory over Triton. (Courtesy Photo)

Trounce Triton on Senior Night 5-0

The Hornets celebrated Senior Night in a big way with a 5-0 rout of the Triton Vikings on Friday. The highlight of the game was seniors Joey DiSanto and Kevin Wall’s first career varsity goals. Senior Ahmed Benhafoune and junior Will Carpenter combined for the clean sheet. 

The game was originally slated for Tuesday night. But after seniors Benhafoune, Francis Walsh, captain Trevor Wilson, Duncan Macneil, David Tingley, Alex Beherrell, captain Ben Tayas, Owen Carlson, DiSanto, Casey Robarts, Wall, Ryan Veneziano and Matt Supple were all recognized for their contributions to the program and 22 minutes were played before the game was postponed until Friday because of lightning. 

The game was replayed in its entirety on Friday and it was all North Reading. DiSanto started off the scoring. Then after junior Justin Capezzuto, Tayas and junior Cam Chinchillo scored, Wall closed the scoring with the prettiest goal of the year. Wall’s solo effort started 45 yards from goal and after beating four defenders he was able thread a shot past the keeper. 

Fall at Bishop Fenwick in season finale 3-1

The Hornets finished off their season on Saturday during a gusty Nor’Easter at Bishop Fenwick. Despite being cold and drenched, North Reading fought valiantly but sadly were defeated 3-1 by the Crusaders. David Tingley scored the lone goal in his final varsity game.

“I am pleased with the way we finished the season,” said head coach Mark Bisognano after the game. “It would have been easy to pack it in after qualifying for the tournament was no longer possible, but the team fought hard.  Injuries down the stretch certainly slowed us down, but to the players’ credit no one used that as an excuse. That can only be attributed to the strong leadership of the captains and the senior class.”