THE PIONEERS line up for the National Anthem before their 1-0 victory over Northbridge in round one on Sunday. Lynnfield (No. 2) defeats No. 18 Abington 2-0 on Nov. 8 in the Round of 16. (Courtesy Photo)
Updates post publication:
Lynnfield defeats #18 Abington 2-0, advances to the Elite 8. (Nov. 8)
Lynnfield defeats #7 Monument Mountain 2-1, advances to the Final Four. (Nov. 11)
Lynnfield defeats #3 Hampshire Regional 2-0, advances to the State Finals. (Nov. 14)
For State Final game details, visit www.miaa.net.
Published November 8, 2023
Dono’s late goal sends Lynnfield boys’ soccer through to the Sweet 16
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — On Sunday afternoon, the Lynnfield High boys’ soccer team opened postseason action as they hosted Northbridge in the MIAA Division 4 Round of 32 game.
The Rams, a school out in central Mass. near the Rhode Island border, gave the Pioneers all they could handle as the Pioneers escaped with a 1-0 win.
“They were a tough first-round opponent,” admitted Pioneers head coach Brent Munroe. “They were very organized with a solid defensive plan and they made it an uncomfortable game for us.”
A majority of the game took place in the Rams territory but the defensive set did not allow for many great scoring opportunities.
Lynnfield finally broke through with a little over 10 minutes remaining in the game as Alessandro Raimondi’s corner kick was headed in by Dhimitri Dono.
“It was a great corner by Alessandro,” stated Munroe. “It was the right height and Dhimitri put it home.”
The Rams got more aggressive on offense the rest of the game but never really threatened to tie it up.
Pioneer goal-keeper Kelan Cardinal made two saves as the junior picked up his third career playoff win in net. Cardinal improved to 15-2-2 in goal this fall.
With the victory, the 2nd-seeded Pioneers improved to 15-2-2. Meanwhile, the 31st-seeded Rams ended the year at 10-10.
Lynnfield will play a Round of 16 game on Wednesday night (Nov. 8) at 6 p.m. when they host Abington.
Abington is the 18th-seed as they beat Millbury, 3-2, on the road in the first round on Monday evening. They enter the game with a record of 11-6-2.
The winner will advance to the Div. 4 state quarterfinals against the winner of No. 10 Rockland vs. No. 7 Monument Mountain.