Published November 11, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team concluded the 2020 Cape Ann League season with a big win over a rival.
The Pioneers (4-5) defeated rival Newburyport with a 1-0 shutout on Nov. 4. Outside of North Reading, the Clippers are the biggest rival of the Pioneers in the CAL.
Senior Emily Goguen scored the game-winning goal with 16 minutes remaining in regulation. Senior captain Lauren Braconnier was credited with the assist.
“Lauren crossed the ball and Emily was able to pop it in,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “She was in the right place at the right time. It was a great goal.”
Junior Samantha Bunar started in net during the first half and a had a couple of big saves. Senior Lindsay Nardone started between the pipes in the second half and came up with some big stops as well.
Vermont praised the his team’s performance against the Clippers.
“All of our seniors played a good amount and battled hard,” said Vermont. “Erin Sharkey did a nice job in the back, and senior captains Ashley Mitchell and Julia Colucci did a nice job in the middle for us. Newburyport is a very good team and it was a back-and-forth game. It was a rivalry game and anytime you beat a rival, it’s a good day.”
Fall to Pentucket
The Pioneers fell 3-1 to Pentucket on Nov. 3.
The Sachems scored their first goal 14 minutes into the first half.
Junior forward Abby Adamo tied the game at one with six minutes remaining in the first half. Braconnier and junior midfielder Anna Radulski had the assists.
“It was a nice goal,” said Vermont. “Abby had a good opportunity and was able to finish it. I am very happy Abby was able to score her first varsity goal.”
Pentucket scored its second goal three minutes into the second half. The Sachems found the back of the net a third time with 15 minutes remaining in the game.
Bunar started in net during the first half while Nardone got the call during the second half.
Freshman Ally Sykes played a strong game in the midfield for the Pioneers, Vermont said.
Vermont added the Pioneers played a good game against the Sachems.
“Even though Pentucket won the game 3-1, it was a much closer game,” said Vermont. “We played pretty well, especially during the first half. Pentucket has some kids who can score and if you give them any chances, they are able to finish them.”
Seniors praised
Vermont praised senior captains Braconnier, Colucci, Ashley Mitchell and Lauren Mitchell as well as fellow seniors Goguen, Nardone, Sharkey, Jenna Brodigan, Kiera Burns and Michelle Miller for stepping up and leading the Pioneers during a challenging year.
“I am glad we had an opportunity to play, especially for the seniors,” said Vermont. “It was a really different season, and it was great we were able to come out and play. All of the seniors did a nice job for us.”