LYNN — The Lynn English Bulldogs (1-8-1) tied the Chelsea Red Devils (0-9-1) on Thursday evening at Manning Field, 0-0.
In a defensive matchup beneath the rain, Chelsea avoided a season sweep and dominated time of possession. English’s defenders were tight in front of the goal from the start, clearing major scoring chances.
In the opening minutes, Chelsea won one-on-one matchups in the midfield and would’ve had three breakaways if lead passes connected.
Chelsea had the first scoring chances with Alessandra Campos winning a position battle before hitting the right post on a partial breakaway. Minutes later, Maybelin Ramirez Cea sent the ball just over the crossbar from the slot.
English’s backend stayed strong. Miriam Chavrin sparked the team on defense, marking her opponent and playing physical to clear the ball out of danger. Goalkeeper Emmah Faris-Howes read lead passes effectively, knowing when to aggressively scoop balls or passively remain in net.
“I think they [the defense] had a strong game. I’m proud of the way they played,” Head Coach Abby Driscoll said.
On the rare occasion English forwards could get possession, they executed a few give-and-gos, but Chelsea’s midfield play kept things on the other half of the field. Throw-ins were another Bulldog issue with multiple being intercepted.
Ava Jones gave English its first true scoring chance, spinning around her opponent and attempting a cross, but Chelsea goalkeeper Katiee Arias dove to intercept.
At the start of the second half, both teams traded chances. English’s Aida Bellas dangled past two defenders to create possession, but no teammates provided backup. Moments later, Campos entered the zone for Chelsea and delivered a cross, but the Bulldogs’ Mariah Fowler read the play and cleared the ball out of the air.
English struggled to play north-south and were reliant on individual play as opposed to Chelsea who facilitated more in the offensive zone.
“I think they [Chelsea] pass well and they played strong offensively, and I’m happy that we kept them to zero goals,” Driscoll said.
15 minutes into the half, English’s Lilian Idowu found space, but couldn’t generate speed on an off-balanced, left-shooted shot on a three-on-one. Five minutes later, Angela Martinez made the play of the game. Faris-Howes let the ball get behind her, leaving a Chelsea forward on the doorstep. Martinez anticipated and blocked the attempt on the goal-line.
No more major chances occurred in the final 10 minutes. Chelsea avoided the season sweep, and English generated momentum they can take with them moving forward. The Bulldogs return to action Tuesday, Oct. 18 when they host Everett at 7:15 p.m.
