WAKEFIELD — The No. 10 Lynnfield boys soccer team got off to a fast start Thursday, netting two goals in the first 10 minutes and holding off No. 2 Northeast the rest of the way to earn a 3-1 win in the Division 3 North quarterfinal at Langridan Field.
Going ahead 2-0 is huge for any team in the state tournament, but for a young Pioneers squad it was especially important to set the tone for the match.
“The start was huge,” Lynnfield coach Brent Munroe said. “We have a really young group and not a ton of experience, so if we had gone down 2-0 I don’t think we would have responded as well as (Northeast) did.”
Northeast’s speed up front gave Lynnfield’s defense a unique challenge in this one, but it stepped up to the task led by goalkeeper Dante Gesamondo (four saves).
“Northeast was very talented,” Munroe said. “They had some kids up front that gave us a lot of problems. They play different than anybody in our league. They sort of come from all over the place and it’s hard to know where and who our players are defending. They presented a big challenge.
“This team didn’t pepper the net with shots, but they put balls in dangerous areas,” Munroe said. “Dante has had a terrific year for us. He has made some great saves when we need him. I’m happy for him.”
Lynnfield earned a chance on a corner kick less than two minutes in and took full advantage. Henry Caulfield took the kick and his ball landed right on the foot of Thomas Buston in the left side of the box. Buston sent a crossing pass that Thomas Hauser deflected into the net with his heel to give Lynnfield a 1-0 lead.
Several minutes later Lynnfield kept the pressure up and Matheus Saramento scored to put the Pioneers ahead 2-0.
Midway through the first half the momentum shifted fast in Northeast’s favor. After a few missed chances Moises Flores ran past the Pioneers defense and slipped a shot by Gesamondo to cut the Lynnfield lead to 2-1.
That pressure continued on early into the second half, but this time Gesamondo was ready. Less than a minute after halftime Flores ripped a hard shot on goal but Gesmondo made a diving stop to keep the Pioneers ahead 2-1.
“The thing is with Dante, in a 3-1 game you wouldn’t think a save is the difference maker and it was,” Munroe said. “That save was the difference maker. If they tied that up at 2-2, with all the momentum, I don’t think we would have made it. I’m just being honest, that was the play of the game.”
From there both teams went back-and-forth, but it was the Pioneers who cashed in down the stretch. On another corner, this time taken taken by Luke Martinho, Saramento found himself in perfect position and scored a huge insurance goal to put Lynnfield ahead 3-1 in the closing minutes.
“We did think we would have some advantages on the set plays,” Munroe said. “We have some bigger kids that do a good job in the air. That’s one difference between Northeast and some of the teams we play that are bigger and more physical than us. Northeast was more talented and skillful. We thought we could put a set play or two and it worked out that way.”
The defense did the rest and the Pioneers held on to advance to the semifinal. Lynnfield will face off against No. 3 Watertown Monday (12) at St. John’s Prep’s Glatz Field.
