LYNN — Despite a stellar performance from goalie Gracie Mulloy, the Lynn English Bulldogs fell to Revere, 6-1, on Tuesday at Manning Field.
English led early from a Brianna Ortega goal. After English applied strong pressure down low, it was Ortega beating a Patriot to the ball before slotting one home (1-0).
“She definitely kept the pressure on the goalie and was in the right place at the right time,” assistant coach Madison Molea said. “It’s the type of play where, if you don’t give up, anything can happen and we’re always telling the kids to follow through and pressure the ball. That’s exactly what she did and she put herself in the right place to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, later in the half, Ortega had to exit the game with a rib injury.
“She hurt her ribs. We’re hoping it’s nothing too serious,” Molea said. “She’s one of our better and more-seasoned players.”
Revere dominated possession, but couldn’t find its way past Mulloy, who finished the first half with 12 saves (21 total). It wasn’t until five minutes remaining in the first half when Revere found its equalizer.
Back to Mulloy. You wouldn’t be able to tell this is her first season playing soccer. When asked about her, Molea praised her shot-stopper.
“She’s definitely getting more confidence as the season has progressed,” Molea said. “She’s calling for the ball, taking control of the field, and she’s a leader from behind the net. She kind of sees everything and she’s finally getting confident in telling people where to go, how to move, who’s open, and when to mark up. She’s gaining her voice back there and I think she’s doing a great job.”
Going into the half tied, 1-1, Molea thought it was the team’s best first half of the season.
“Our goalie made some great standout saves, our defense was solid, and Angela Martinez, as our sweeper, has been playing great. She’s keeping us in games,” she said.
Despite a great first half, the second half wasn’t ideal for English. Revere continued to control the ball and broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half (2-1).
Unfortunately for English, Revere didn’t stop there, adding four more to walk out of Manning Field victorious.
Another player who stuck out for the Bulldogs was midfielder Mariah Fowler, who did a little bit of everything. From rock-solid defense to leading the attack, Fowler made her presence felt.
“Mariah Fowler had a great game. She controls the middle of the field,” Molea said. “She’s our junior captain. She missed a couple of chances today and we were hoping she’d put more of those in, but we’re going to keep putting her in those positions and letting her get some more opportunities this season.”
Molea will be in charge of the Bulldogs while head coach Abby Driscoll is at home taking care of her newborn. When asked how she likes being head coach, Molea was all smiles.
“So far, so good. I wish Abby nothing but the best. She’s one of my good friends,” Molea said. “I’ll do Abby justice while she’s at home.”
The Bulldogs’ next game is Thursday when they face off against Chelsea at Manning Field.
