The Lynn Classical Rams (12-3-1) defeated the Lynn English Bulldogs (3-11-1) on Thursday evening at Manning Field, 6-0.
An explosive offense delivered in both halves for Classical while English struggled retaining possession in the offensive end.
English goalkeeper Emmah Faris-Howes was busy early, clearing a corner kick and stopping a shot from Classical’s Ava Thurman.
Possession favored Classical through 10 minutes. The Rams were effective with their give and gos and off-ball movement. The last line of defense stood strong for the Bulldogs, however, keeping shots on goal far away from Faris-Howes.
Classical’s Mea Papazoglou put the Rams up 1-0. Thurman raced down the field and ripped a shot off the post. The ball landed on the goal line for Papazoglou to tap in.
McKenna Duncan extended Classical’s lead to 2-0 at the 20:44 mark of the first half, timing a corner kick perfectly to strike right in front of the net.
English struggled in the midfield during the first half, failing to receive passes and losing its individual matchups.
The Rams’ Gianna Parker scored with 11:03 remaining in the half to make the score 3-0. In a crowd of players, the ball got behind Faris-Howes and Parker scored on a rebound.
Two minutes later, Classical’s Brynn Bullock caught eyes after racing into the box past the English defense and getting a shot off. Despite the attempt going wide left, Bullock’s teammates provided hugs for her effort.
Thurman played an impressive half for Classical, keeping English defenders guessing on her dribbling moves and entering the offensive zone with ease.
The halftime score favored Classical, 3-0.
“I think we started a little slow,” Classical’s Delaney Dana said. “But once we got started, we had a lot of passing, a lot of through balls, and we really worked together tonight.”
With just over 36 minutes remaining in the second half, Papazoglou received the ball in the slot and fired on goal, but Faris-Howes denied her.
Classical scored four goals in four minutes during the second half. Ava Thurman let one go from distance to extend the Classical lead to 4-0 at the 21:03 mark. Minutes later, Wilson placed the ball perfectly into the net from the right wing, and Tatiano Lazo followed with a strike.
Delaney Dana finished the barrage at the 17:04 mark, slicing through the English defense and rolling a shot inside the right post to put Classical ahead, 6-0.
“We’ve been practicing. We should be reading the field, spreading out, and they definitely executed what we’ve been practicing which is awesome to see,” Classical Head Coach Jessica Gambale said.
Time expired on English and Classical picked up the senior day victory. Prior to the game, seniors Bullock, Thurman, Dana, and Eliza Correnti were recognized for their time and passion given to Classical girls soccer – balloons and posters supplied.
“Tonight was really special. We’ve been together all four years,” Dana said. “So, this was a sad yet really memorable night.”
Classical returns to Manning Field on Saturday, Oct. 29 against Essex Tech at 10 a.m.
