North, South play to 1-1 draw in Agganis Women’s Soccer Classic

LYNN – While the men’s edition of the 17th Agganis All-Star Soccer Classic was a high-scoring affair, with nine goals being scored, the women took part in a defensive showdown, which ended in a 1-1 draw Tuesday evening at Manning Field in Lynn.It didn’t figure to be an offensive struggle early on as the South’s Briana Anderson of St. Mary’s scored off a misplay from North goalie Emma Titus just 40 seconds in. That goal would prove not only the lone tally until the 19:47 mark of the second half, but the South’s only score of the game.The aforementioned second-half goal came off the foot of Ipswich’s Hannah Weagle. The Franklin Pierce-bound midfielder lined a free kick from 30 yards out near the left sideline, beating South keeper Katherine Creamer, who couldn’t quite get a handle on the shot.The two goals earned Anderson and Weagle their team’s respective MVP awards. Just as importantly, if not more so, were the defensive MVP awards, which were given to the North’s Whitney Whitlow (Amesbury) and South’s Alexandra Riddle (Central Catholic).Tracey Martucci (Winthrop), the head coach of the North, was thoroughly impressed with the tight defense usually forgotten about in games normally seen as shootouts.”It was a great game, and both teams were excellent defensively,” said Martucci. “Whitlow held us together and got a lot going for us on defense. She’s a really strong and smart player.”The North nearly stole the game late in the second half as Kelleigh Lombard (Melrose) kicked a rocket off the near post from the left side, but it wasn’t to be. The draw leaves the series at 10-4-3, in favor of the North.The opportunity to coach such a talented crop of players was not lost on Martucci, who explained that when the call came to coach, she was extremely honored.”It was absolutely an honor to be asked to coach for the first time,” said Martucci. “As an ex-player, I share these kids’ passion for the game and would have loved to be out there with them.”Martucci knows just how important this game can be to these all-stars.”After the high school season ends and the tournament, assuming your team makes it, that is, these kids might think that’s it, but this game serves as one last chance to play,” explained Martucci. “This game is great because of its laid-back atmosphere. They’re not playing for anything, but rather being honored for the commitment to high school soccer.”Visit itemlive.com/tournament often for the latest coverage. Submit your photos of the tournament to [email protected]