LYNN — In what many will consider an upset, the Lynn English girls soccer team fought to a 0-0 draw with rival Lynn Classical on Thursday night at Manning Field.
It was a special occasion for both sides as they honored their seniors.
Classical honored Molly Mannion, Amanda Tucker, Kenzie McLaran, Olivia Waterman, Maggie Nerich, Jayda Mateo, Ava Correnti, Alexis Cummings, Gladys Perez, Victoria Medieros, Anna Flaherty, and Leah Anjeleen.
Head coach Mike Schena said that his seniors have been important for the success of his team.
“As you can see, they are very emotional (tonight); it was very important for them,” he said. “A 0-0 tie, it’s not a loss but it feels like one right now.”
English honored Ararat Gebreyesus, Elizabeth Ross, Brianna Polanco, Emma Guzman, Melissa Zayas, Elysse Newson, Arianna Garcia, Anadia Whelton, and Amy Gutierrez.
Bulldogs head coach Abby Driscoll said that her seniors have been pivotal and have been very important for her squad this season. She added that Thursday night’s performance was the best that she has seen from her seniors.
The start of the game was a display of defense from both sides as the ball spent plenty of time in the midfield for the first 10 minutes of the game. The Rams registered the first shot on net in the 10th minute, but Newson made the easy save for English.
Classical eventually found its game, but the Bulldogs back line performed well in the first half. Jayda Mateo had the best opportunity in the first half for the Rams heading a beautiful cross, but the ball ended up going over the crossbar.
Both sides went into halftime scoreless in what was a testament to the English back line. Despite being under pressure for the majority of the half, they limited Classical’s chances and kept itself in the game.
“I think the defense was really strong,” said Driscoll. “This was the best game I’ve seen out of Amy Gutierrez, the whole defense, Anadia Whelton, Arianna Garcia, Emma Guzman, they played very strongly. Elysse Newson also had a good game. I’m really proud of them.”
The start of the second half was the same as the first. The Rams continued to put pressure on the Bulldogs but Classical failed to find the back of the net. Senior captain Arianna Garcia was a standout defender on Wednesday night.
Delaney Dana nearly broke the ice in the 70th minute, but her shot sailed wide. The Rams nearly found the back of the net moments later but Newson made an outstanding save to keep the game at 0-0.
Classical is now 14-0-3 and faces Somerville on Wednesday (4).
Thursday’s tie was the second of the season for English (2-9-2).
