Roundup: English girls soccer sees upside in defeat

Even though it was a 2-0 loss, and even though there really aren?t such things as moral victories, English girls soccer coach Ed McNeill will make an exception this time.And that is especially since the loss was to defending Division 1 state champ Peabody ? and especially since the Bulldogs held the Tanners at bay through most of the game.At Manning Field, the Tanners (2-0) proved impenetrable. English didn?t advance into the attacking zone once and put no shots on goalie Caitlin Lodi. Victoria Digiacomo and Kara Digiacomo had the Tanners? goals while Madison Doherty and Cayla Bucci played well.?The players did and excellent job of maintaining possession for 80 minutes. It was nice to have a chance to play on turf,” said Peabody coach Dennis Desroches.On the other hand, McNeill praised the outstanding defensive effort put forth by his squad, calling it “the best I?ve seen us play since I?ve been here.?We played a great, great game,” he said “We played them to a standstill after giving up two early goals,” he said. “We really tightened it up. We stymied them after the two early goals, so it?s sort of a victory for us.”The Bulldogs? back five of Shana Zeramby, Rachel Roy, Karissa Burton, Katherine Lozano, Taegon Nelson and midfielder captain Abbie Martoccio excelled.BOYS SOCCERSt. Mary?s 5, Marian 0At Manning Field, the Spartans improved to 3-1-1 (2-0), racing out to a 3-0 halftime lead. Keeper Helio Neto recorded eight saves for his second shutout of the season. Noah Camelo scored two goals and assisted on a third, dominating play through midfield. Christian Chavez added a goal while Daniel Montoya and Brandon Flores scored their first varsity goals and eighth-grader Brian Connolly picked up an assist. Coach Mike D?Agostino said 46 players saw action.Saugus 3, Matignon 2At Saugus, the Sachems (1-1-1) recorded their first win behind two goals from Andre Itojuca and one from Alex Shirripa. Alexka Samartzic (two) and Jorge Chiquillo contributed assists while midfielder Guilhemme anchored a strong defensive effort in front of keeper Peter Pulicari (eight saves).?It?s good to get our first win and get our confidence back after a loss to Danvers. We felt pretty good after tying Revere but Danvers really came at us, so this is a nice way to bounce back,” said coach Tom Duplisea.Swampscott 1, Wakefield 1At Wakefield, the Big Blue (0-1-1) got a late goal from Dan Woolhiser to secure a point. Forward Matt Turner?s cross eluded eluded both the Wakefield sweeper and goalie and found Woolhiser for an easy tap-in with less than three minutes to play. Senior keeper Te Min recorded seven saves.?Dan could have quit his run when he saw both the sweeper and goalie but he finished it and was rewarded. It was a very physical and entertaining game played mostly in the midfield,” said coach Eric Robinson.St. John?s 2, Cath. Mem. 0At Danvers, the Eagles (2-0) prevailed in this Catholic Conference clash on two goals from junior Greg French, one in each half. Senior Ben Alpern had one save for his second shutout.Fenwick 1, Chelmsford 1At Chelmsford, the Crusaders (1-1-2) turned in a strong showing against their Merrimack Valley Conference foe. Annette Ruggiero scored the goal, assisted by Rose Santozzi. Coach Karen Guillmette cited defender Gina Dellucci and midfielder Beck Mercuro for strong performances.