Vermont earns 250th win

Published October 9, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

GIRLS’ SOCCER HEAD COACH Mark Vermont earned his 250th career win after the Pioneers defeated Ipswich 3-1 on Oct. 4. (File Photo)

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team is only point away from qualifying for the Division 3 North state tournament.

The Pioneers (8-2-1) won their eighth straight win after defeating Ipswich 3-1 on Oct. 4.

Junior Ashley Mitchell scored Lynnfield’s first goal two minutes into the first half. Junior Julia Colucci had the assist.

Senior captain Abby Lucich scored the Pioneers’ second goal at the first half’s 18-minute mark.

Ipswich scored its only goal of the game with 13 minutes remaining in the first half.

Colucci scored Lynnfield’s last goal two minutes before halftime. Junior Emily Goguen and senior captain Liz Sykes were credited with the assists.

Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont commended Lynnfield’s performance against the Tigers.

“Ipswich is always a tough team to play,” said Vermont. “They caused some problems for us, but we were able to handle that pretty well. We did a good job possessing the ball. We are now only one point away from qualifying for the tournament.”

In addition to the Pioneers winning their eighth straight game, the 3-1 victory over Ipswich was Vermont’s 250th win as head coach. He has compiled a 250-90-56 career record over 19 seasons.

“It’s a great accomplishment for the program,” said Vermont. “I am coaching the kids and the kids are getting the wins.”

Vermont said coaching the Pioneers is an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience.

“I love soccer and I love working with the kids,” said Vermont. “I love how hard the kids are willing to work. It’s a lot of fun for me. It’s certainly a blessing.”

Defeats Amesbury

The Pioneers began last week defeating Amesbury 1-0 on Oct. 2.

Lucich scored Lynnfield’s lone goal five minutes into the first half, assisted by senior Emma Ricciardi.

Vermont said senior captain Tori Morelli “played a great game in the midfield” for the Pioneers. He also said the locals’ defense, particularly junior Lauren Mitchell, played very well.

“Lauren did a nice job guarding Amesbury’s Alyssa Pettet, who is a very good player,” said Vermont.

Vermont said Lucich played well against the Indians.

“Abby did a nice job up top,” said Vermont.

Vermont said the Pioneers played well despite the pouring rain.

“It was a tough game because of the poor conditions,” said Vermont. “The defense did a nice job keeping the game clean by not making any mistakes. If you make a mistake in bad weather, anything can happen.”

Upcoming games

The Pioneers traveled to Triton on Tuesday, Oct. 8, taking place after deadline.

Lynnfield hosts North Reading on Thursday, Oct. 10, beginning at 6 p.m. A Senior Night ceremony will take place before kickoff.

The Pioneers host Wayland on Monday, Oct. 14, beginning at 11 a.m.