English, Classical boys soccer squads tie 1-1

LYNN – In the first game of the English-Classical boys-girls soccer doubleheader at Manning Field on Monday, the boys teams tied, 1-1. The Classical boys came into the game with a 4-3-1 overall record (3-0-1 NEC). English had a 4-4-1 overall record (2-1 NEC).Click here for a photo gallery.The first half of the game was played between the penalty areas. It was very windy, the temperature was dropping rapidly and the threat of rain was in the air. The major problem for both teams in the first half was their inability to keep the ball on the ground. As the first half moved towards the end, the hitting and fouling increased as both teams became frustrated.English had a new keeper, Kerlay Der. Both he and Rams keeper Dammy Dada were not tested in the entire half.English coach Kerry King said, “Backup keeper Kerlay Der was outstanding. Our defense played well despite the adverse weather conditions.”At the thirty-nine minute mark, English’s Marc Sesanga had the Rams keeper at his mercy from 10 yards out, but shot the ball over the net.The second half started the same way. Very gradually, both teams settled down and played controlled soccer. In the 60th minute, Classical’s Salvador Castro put on a solo performance. He penetrated the defense, beat two defenders with his dribble, cut right into the area and beat the keeper to the top left corner. This made the score 1-0, Classical.Classical’s Joe Skahan had praise for his defense, stating, “The back line shut down English for almost the entire game. Salvador Castro played well on offense.”Classical’s tight defense, led by Greg Rybak and Kevin Kakou, had stuffed every English opportunity. However, with about 10 minutes left in the game, English was fouled about 45 yards from the goal. The free kick was taken by George Herrera and floated into the top right corner of the area, where Leonel Awokang picked up the ball, beat a defender and blasted the shot past Dada. This tied the score at 1-1.The final few minutes were played at midfield. The game ended, but the rivalry is not over. Chapter two of this battle will be the last game of the season.Ironically, both teams’ head coaches teach at English and had to rush back to school for parents’ night.English is at Manning Field Wednesday against Danvers and Classical is also at Manning on Wednesday against Peabody.