LYNN — The Lynn Classical boys soccer team has set high goals for itself ever since Eric Moreno Jr. took over as head coach in 2018. Now in 2021, during a delayed, shortened season in a brand new league, that drive hasn’t changed much.
“The expectation is to compete right away,” Moreno said of the Rams joining the Greater Boston League. “We expect to be competitive in every league that we’re in. We’ve always felt like we can hang with anyone in the state.
“We’ve won the Northeastern Conference, won a city title and we’re ready for the next jump,” Moreno said. “I’ve learned if you put a goal in front of them, the boys will develop a tremendous desire to achieve it.”
But those goals don’t mean the Rams think they have an easy ride by any means. Moreno is expecting more competition than ever in the GBL.
“This year it’s about fielding that high competition every week,” Moreno said. “We’ve had plenty of difficult games in the past, but then there are some nights where you get on the field and it’s likely you’re going to get a good result. Now we have to be putting our best game forward every day, and me and the boys are excited for it.”
The team itself starts at the top with returning captains Jaír Álvarez, Kyle Chear and Tyler Dugan. Álvarez controls the midfield while Chear (center back) and Dugan (right back) help sure up the defense.
Junior Isaiah Diaz also brings a familiar face back at goalkeeper.
“It’s Isaiah’s second season as our starter,” Moreno said. “He had a really good sophomore season and we’re expecting big things out of him. He’s grown since (2019) too.”
But it’s not all just familiar faces, as sophomore Elzon Hamili will hope to bring a spark to the mix.
“Elzon is a young man that’s going to be a big factor,” Moreno said. “He’s someone to watch for sure, an upcoming kid that hasn’t had a season to put that into motion yet. He will pretty soon.”
Unfortunately, the Rams haven’t actually gotten the chance to put the pieces in place in person just yet. Practices will start Monday, and there won’t be any time to waste as the team prepares for its first GBL opponent in Somerville next Saturday (7) at Manning Field.
“The opener will be great,” Moreno said. “Somerville is one of the top teams in the league, and to be playing them Saturday night at home, you can’t match that opener.
“Right out of the gate, we have to measure the fitness levels,” Moreno said. “Then we’ll look at some technical levels and the team will be set by Tuesday. Then we’ll work on our systems. We can’t really go crazy on the fitness side because the game is Saturday. Usually you have a whole camp to get in shape, but when it comes to Thursday and Friday we’ll already be tapering down.”
Saturday kicks off a seven-game abbreviated season, and beyond that the Rams are already looking forward to competing in a GBL Tournament of some form.
“It’s going to be seven games and then fortunately we’ll be going to play for the GBL Cup in a playoff style format similar to what the basketball team’s did,” Moreno said. “We’re looking forward to playing at the highest level we can everyday and competing in that at the end of the season. But really, we’re just happy to be playing at all.”
