Published in the September 26, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team compiled a .500 record last week, bringing the Pioneers’ overall record to 5-1.

The Pioneers defeated Cape Ann League rival Newburyport 2-1 on Sept. 20.

After a scoreless first half that was a defensive battle between both teams, Newburyport took a 1-0 lead one minute into the second half.

Undaunted, the Pioneers went on the attack and started applying pressure on the Clippers. Sophomore Ashley Mitchell tied the game at one after scoring on a free kick with nine minutes remaining in the game.

“It was an awesome goal that went up and over the goalie,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont.

Junior Anna-Maria Ferrante scored the game-winning goal after nailing a shot from the 18-yard line with 30 seconds remaining in the contest.

JUNIOR ANNA-MARIA FERRANTE (6) scored the game-winning goal during the girls’ soccer team’s 2-1 victory over Newburyport on Sept. 20. (John Friberg Photo)

“We got the ball to Anna-Maria in the middle of the field, and she was able to get in a shot over the goalie’s head,” said Vermont.

Junior Amberly McCarter had seven saves in net against Newburyport.

“Amberly played a good game,” said Vermont. “She made some big saves.”

Vermont said the Pioneers played well against the Clippers.

“It’s always a great game against Newburyport,” said Vermont. “They are a talented team that is well-coached. Our girls never quit and never got down on themselves. They kept working hard. After we scored our first goal, we knew we had some momentum and everyone kept pushing for the game-winner.”

Conquered by Generals

The Pioneers began last week falling 3-2 to Hamilton-Wenham on Sept. 17.

Senior captain Emma Montanile scored a goal with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. Ashley Mitchell was credited with the assist.

Junior Molly Ozanian gave the Pioneers a 2-0 lead three minutes into the second half after she was set up by Ashley Mitchell.

The Generals cut Lynnfield’s lead to one six minutes into the second half. Hamilton-Wenham tied the game at two with 18 minutes remaining in the game.

Hamilton-Wenham scored the game-winning goal on a free kick with 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

McCarter tallied four saves in net against the Generals.

Vermont said captain Tori Morelli gave a strong performance against the Generals.

“Tori played a really nice game in the midfield for us,” said Vermont.

Vermont said the Hamilton-Wenham game will serve as a teachable moment for the young Pioneers.

“We controlled a lot of the game,” said Vermont. “They had three shots in the second half and all three were goals. It’s a good ratio for them but not for us. We learned a lot. We need to have more communication and composure.”