LYNN — The Lynn Classical Rams simply ran out of time in their battle with the Medford Mustangs, losing 1-0 Thursday at Manning Field.
The lone goal scorer of the game and the hero that lifted the Mustangs to victory was senior Captain Emma Casey.
The game’s first half was a true back-and-forth affair, with each team getting its share of good scoring chances. Casey was all over the field and led the charge for the Mustangs’ offensive pressure. One of Casey’s best chances of the half came when she made a nice run and pushed one past the goalie that just went wide of the net.
While the Mustangs’ got their fair share of scoring chances, so did the Rams. Senior Captain Ava Thurman had a beautiful cross to freshman McKenna Duncan that was saved by Medford senior goalie Haylee Duarte.
Classical and Medford traded chances as the half went on, and neither team could break through. However, the Rams had the best scoring chance of the half with four minutes remaining on a cross to sophomore Fahaley Escobar who had her shot denied at point blank range.
However, the game turned into a story of two halves — sort of. Just a few minutes into the second half Medford took a 1-0 lead on a beautiful pass from junior Grace Mastromatteo to Casey that she buried into the back of the net.
Immediately after the goal, momentum was with the Mustangs as they played with a new type of energy that was not visible until they scored. Medford’s energy was so great that it almost extended its lead on a cross to the front of the net, but Rams’ junior Rachel Dana broke it up.
Dana’s quick feet lit a fire under Classical, and the Rams were on the attack with about 25 minutes remaining in the game. Thurman looked like she was shot out of a cannon for the Rams, sprinting around the field, causing mayhem for Medford’s defense. Thurman and others forced Medford to defend several corner kicks and great runs for the remainder of the game.
Unfortunately for Classical, as they chipped away at finally putting a ball in the back of the net, time was not on its side. One of Classical’s best chances to tie the game came on a cross out in front during extra time to Escobar that could not be finished.
Eventually, in extra time Medford steadied itself just enough to close the door and take its 1-0 victory.
After the loss, Rams’ Head Coach Jessica Gambale stressed the need to finish their chances to avoid close losses like Thursday’s.
“We just need to work on finishing our opportunities that we create. We are coming up short on those scoring opportunities,” said Gambale.
“Our defense is solid, but we just need to figure out how to put it in the back of the net,” she said.
While her team has a short bench this season and is still figuring out positioning, Gambale knows her team will improve.
“By the end of the season, we will have it all figured out. The second time we see teams, they should all be ready,” said Gambale.
Michael Coughlin Jr. can be reached at [email protected].
