MARBLEHEAD — Sometimes, one is enough. In a showdown between two Northeastern Conference rivals, Marblehead’s first-half goal did the trick for the Magicians in a 1-0 win over Peabody.
Both sides boasted solid defenses coming into the game, and it was always going to take an individual piece of brilliance for either end to break through.
Ava Machado did just that with a strike from outside the penalty box.
In addition to the finish, Marblehead’s coach, Lisa Wales, was happy with the possession leading up to the goal.
“I thought the goal was great. We work a lot on possession and making good choices with our passing,” Wales said. “I felt like everything came together in that sequence and she was able to finish it with a goal.”
Machado’s speed is a difference-maker, according to Wales.
“She’s really fast. She runs indoor and outdoor track, so we try to use her speed to our advantage,” Wales said. “I like that she will run through the ball. She works really well with our other strikers.”
Despite the cushion, Marblehead continued to apply pressure, but Tanners’ goalie, Eva Joyce (13 saves), stood tall.
“My goalkeeper, Eva Joyce, played unbelievable today,” Peabody coach Andrew Douglass said.
Even Wales was impressed with the shot-stopper.
“Peabody has improved and has a fantastic goalie who made some unbelievable saves – credit to her,” Wales said.
Marblehead controlled possession, but the Tanners – used to playing on the counterattack – had a great chance to equalize before halftime.
A ball was played to a sprinting Ally Bettencourt who crossed it to Connie Patturelli. Patturelli laid the ball to Brooke Lomasney who just got under it, but the ball sailed over the crossbar right before halftime.
“The way that we play, we typically don’t have much possession, which was more so the case today,” Douglass said. “We did create a few opportunities here and there, but we didn’t test their keeper too often. Our struggle this year has been putting the ball in the net, but each game, we’re getting closer and closer.”
Wales added her side started slow, but eventually “grew into the game.”
“I felt like we were a little flat to start… but I’m proud of the girls for sticking with it and getting the win. It was important for us,” Wales said.
When the Tanners did get a breakaway opportunity, they were met with an undeterred Magicians’ defense consisting of Kate Twomey, Katie Pyne, Ainsley McDonald, and Grace Mortensen.
“I think they were great and very solid today. I thought Kate Twomey at outside back anticipated the ball well and was like a wall out there,” Wales said. “Katie Pyne’s decision-making was great and she was able to switch the field when needed. Ainsley McDonald is a freshman and has done a fantastic job for us. She sees the field incredibly well. Then, we have Grace Mortensen who’s there as a senior captain and will sweep up anything that gets through.”
Douglass had his fair share of shoutouts, also.
“Connie Patturelli played well in the midfield and up front. Ally Bettencourt, Madi Barrett, and Logan Lomasney on defense with Brooke Lomasney in the midfield all played well,” he said. “Everybody worked hard. I appreciate them all digging in and giving it all for one another.”
Marblehead’s next game is Saturday when it travels to Lynn to face St. Mary’s. The Tanners will have to wait until Monday to host Beverly.
