Local soccer players help Essex Tech

The Essex Tech girls soccer team is hoping the third time is a charm when it comes to success in the state tournament.
The Hawks have now made the postseason three of their last four years and part of the reason for their success is the contribution made by a group of former Lynn Youth Soccer players, including seniors Brooke Miles and Lindsay McGovern.
Miles and McGovern are four-year starters for the Hawks with Miles serving as a captain her junior and senior years. She got her feet wet as a freshman playing goal for the Hawks, but over the years she has played every position on the field. She led the team in scoring her sophomore year, but has settled into the role of defensive midfielder this year.
?She has great knowledge of the game and a ton of heart,” Essex Tech coach Kelly Barrio said. “She?s a great leader. She always has her eye on what needs to be done, on the field and off.”
Barrio called McGovern a “do-it-all” defenseman and one of the most determined, hard-working people on the field. Another Lynn player, Ella Spiess, has provided the Hawks with a big lift offensively. The sophomore has eight goals and four assists, tying her for second on the team in total points.
?She so young. As she grows, her speed and strength just increase,” Barrios aid. “She moves so quickly.”
Several other Lynn girls have contributed to the Hawks? success Including junior AutumnRose Cataldo, who helped out the defense until being sidelined with a concussion 3 ? weeks ago. Sophomore Hailey Paige helped out as a freshman, but was injured playing lacrosse last spring and was just cleared to start running. Megan Gokas of Lynn played a couple of games before fracturing her ankle and Dazzline Vega had several goals early in the season, but had to leave the team for personal reasons.
Essex Tech, which is the new school formed with the merger of Essex Aggie and North Shore Tech, defeated St. Clement Monday at the Hawks? new stadium in Danvers. It was the Hawks? first-ever tournament win. They?ll host Minuteman tonight (6 p.m.) and if they win, they?ll face the winner of the St. Mary?s-Winthrop game.