Updates post publication:
North Reading falls 2-0 to Hamilton-Wenham (Oct. 21)
North Reading defeats Newburyport 3-2 (Oct. 24)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — First place was on the line Monday afternoon as the North Reading High boys soccer team visited rival Lynnfield. The first game this fall between the teams ended in a scoreless tie on Sept. 21.
This time, the Pioneers won, 1-0, on a damp, cool day.
With that loss, the Hornets record fell to 9-2-2 overall and 9-1-2 in the Cape Ann League as their 10-game unbeaten streak was snapped.
Lynnfield (12-1-1 overall and 11-0-1 in the CAL) scored the lone tally of the afternoon 16 minutes into the opening half.
On the scoring play, Rocco Scenna’s free kick hit the post and Dillon Reilly was able to head home the rebound.
“We were missing two starters and we need to be at full strength in order to beat them,” explained Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano. “They are the better team on set pieces and that got us.”
Hornets goal-keeper, Davi Leao, made seven saves to fall to 7-1-2 in net.
“He made four big saves in the second half to keep us in the game,” pointed out Bisognano.
The news was much better on Oct. 12 as the Hornets blanked Pentucket, 3-0, up in West Newbury.
North Reading was able to compete the season sweep over the Panthers as they won the first meeting 5-3 back on Sept. 12.
“This was the most satisfying win of the season,” said Bisognano. “They changed their defense from our first game and were able to frustrate us in the first half. In the second half we showed great patience and took it to them.”
After a scoreless opening 40 minutes, the Hornets scored their first goal 16 minutes into the second half.
Seth Evans had the first goal assisted by Duncan Gulino. Two minutes later, Gulino’s brother, Max, made it 2-0.
Finn Rodger assisted on that tally.
In the game’s 63rd minute, Matt Fleury had the final goal with Max Gulino assisting.
Leao had an easy day in net having to make only one save.
On Oct. 21, the Hornets visit Hamilton-Wenham at 9:30 a.m.
They then host Newburyport on Oct. 24 with that game starting at 4:45 p.m. Newburyport and the Hornets tied, 1-1, back on Sept 26 in their first match-up.