BOXFORD — Good teams make you pay. That’s what Monday’s non-league boys soccer game between visiting Lynnfield and Masconomet at the Boxford Commons Recreation Area came down to.
Both teams came into the contest undefeated at 7-0-1. In the end, however, it was Masco who kept its streak alive with a 2-1 win.
Pioneers coach Brent Munroe said the difference in the game was a pair of untimely mistakes.
“They were both turnovers, but not to put the guys down, they were under a lot of pressure and it was more that they were forced turnovers,” Munroe said. “They were always under a lot of pressure so it’s not like they just gave the ball away, Masco’s pressure forced. Against this team, when you make them back there, they are going to hurt you every time.”
Masconomet coach Jared Scarpaci agreed with Munroe’s assessment.
“We had two good opportunities and we put them away, so that’s what it came down to,” Scarpaci said. “We know that Lynnfield is always a great game. They have a great program. They were undefeated coming in so and they are very well coached, as always, and they moved the ball well, so to come out with a win was good.”
Neither team gained a significant advantage throughout most of the first half. With less than 11 minutes to go, senior Ara Scarpaci deked left around a couple of Lynnfield defenders and walked in alone on Pioneer junior goalkeeper Kelan Cardinal, drilling a low shot inside the far post to make it a 1-0 game.
That was all the Chieftains needed to grab all the momentum for the rest of the way.
“I totally agree that when they scored that first goal, the momentum definitely went in their favor,” Munroe said. “I felt like we had a lot of possession and had better chances, but then they scored and they carried play for a good portion of the rest of the game after that.”
The Pioneers did have a few good chances in the second half. With less than 20 minutes left, sophomore Rocco Scenna was fouled at the 35. He played the free kick to senior Nate Clancy, but his shot was just wide. A couple of minutes later, Scenna had an open look, but Masco keeper Marco Russo made the save. With less than 17 minutes to go, Dillon Reilly headed a corner kick over the net. A free kick from the 50 by senior Dylan Damiani sailed high over the net with about 14 minutes to go. Reilly had another good chance two minutes later, but couldn’t find the mark.
Despite the offensive flurry, it was Masco that ended up in the right spot at the right time. With nine minutes to go, senior Gabe Fales swiped the ball off the foot of a Lynnfield defender and walked in alone on Cardinal. Cardinal simply had no chance.
The Pioneers averted a shoutout when Reilly converted a penalty kick with about 10 seconds left in the game.
“We were still pushing forward and fortunate to get the penalty kick, but there was no time after the penalty,” Munroe said. “But it comes down to when you come to Masco, you play hard, but unfortunately for us we usually end up just on the wrong end of it, but that’s why they’re Masco.”
Munroe said right defender Charlie Morgan, Scenna and Reilly stood out for the Pioneers.
“Charlie had a strong defensive game and Rocco played well in the middle and I thought Dillon Reilly also played well up top, eventually scoring our only goal. He created a lot of chances for us up top, not just for himself but for other people as well,” Munroe said. “Our goalie (Cardinal) definitely played well. I thought our whole group played well, but to be honest, I thought Charlie, Rocco and Dillon were our best players today.”
Lynnfield has a short turnaround with its next game Tuesday at Triton (4).
Munroe said that while Triton may not be having its best season, “we’ll have some banged up and tired kids.”
The Chieftains take on another undefeated team in Gloucester on the road on Wednesday.
“It’s going to be another big one,” Scarpaci said.
