Post publication update:
North Reading defeats Pentucket 2-1 (Oct. 27)
North Reading defeats Essex Tech 2-0 (Oct. 23)
Published October 23, 2025
Boys’ soccer conquers Generals for third straight win
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
SOUTH HAMILTON — The North Reading High boys’ soccer team edged host Hamilton-Wenham, 2-1, on a sunny, cool day on Tuesday afternoon.
With that victory, the Hornets improved to 12-2-2 overall and 10-2-2 in the Cape Ann League. Meanwhile, the Generals, who play in the CAL Baker Division, fell to 12-2-2 overall and 10-2-1 in the league.
The Hornets struck first as Seth Evans scored in the eighth minute assisted by Davi Leao. They then made it 2-0 in the 31st minute when Asher Schulz found the back of the General next assisted by Gavin Wesley.
“We had a different game plan than we normally do and it was working well in the first half,” pointed out Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano.
Hamilton-Wenham then controlled the play in the second half and cut the lead to one with eight minutes left.
The Generals had a golden opportunity to tie it a few minutes later as they drew a foul in the box but Hornet goalie Dylan O’Driscoll, came up huge with a save diving to his left on the penalty kick.
From there, the Hornets were able to hold on.
“That was the best game Dylan has played all year,” stated Bisognano, as O’Driscoll had five total stops.
Bisognano went on to say that the Generals are the best team his squad has faced all year.
Last Saturday afternoon, the Hornets edged non-league Andover on the road 1-0.
“They are a good Division 1 team that moved the ball well,” said Bisognano, about the Golden Warriors. “Our defense that game was excellent.”
Leao, who leads the team in goals with 14 so far, scored the goal in this one in the 12th minute assisted by Wesley.
This is the second Merrimack Valley Conference team the Hornets have played this year as they beat Chelmsford, 4-0, back on Sept. 20.
O’Driscoll made four saves to post his ninth shutout of the year.
On Oct. 16, the Hornets blanked guest Georgetown, 4-0.
Leao was the story of this game as he recorded a hat trick after scoring four goals against Triton on Oct. 9.
Wesley, Evans and Joe Serra assisted on the three goals North Reading led, 3-0, at the half.
Schulz had the other tally late in the first half and Wesley assisted on that one.
“Davi has been immense all year,” said Bisognano, about the senior striker. “He is very strong on the ball and even off the ball.”
O’Driscoll had an easy day in net having to make just two stops.
On Oct. 23, the Hornets host Essex Tech at 4:30 p.m. looking for the season sweep against the Hawks.
They then wrap up the regular season on Oct. 27 against Pentucket on Senior Night at 6:15 p.m. Before the game, the nine Hornet 12th-graders will be honored.
The Hornets tied the Panthers, 1-1, in the first meeting on Sept. 30.
Entering this week, the Hornets were ranked eighth in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the state tournament.