LYNNFIELD — In a rematch of last year’s Division 4 Round of 16, the Lynnfield Pioneers (2-1) turned tables Thursday, defeating visiting Swampscott (1-2) in an 11-8 final at Pioneer Stadium.
Lynnfield’s Michael Murphy had a monster game with five goals, two ground balls, an assist, and a takeaway. Kelan Cardinal (2 goals, 3 assists) and Owen Considine (goal, 3 assists) also had strong all-around games. Brendan Driscoll had a strong defensive game with four ground balls and two takeaways. Paul Daley, John Powers (assist) and Owen Doherty also scored.
Liam Keaney led the Big Blue attack with three goals and two assists. Jason Rothwell (assist) and Tyler Ostroff scored two goals apiece, while Drew Hause and Chase Russo also scored.
Neither team led by more than two goals in this one – that was until Murphy buried a feed from Cardinal to give the Pioneers some breathing room, 11-8, with three minutes remaining.
“That was a massive goal,” said Lynnfield Coach Pat Lamusta. “Michael, Kelan, and Owen Considine just came up with some big plays down the stretch to retain possession. We survived some penalties and I think we won the penalty battle at the end of the day.”
Swampscott Coach Geoff Beckett said too many mistakes haunted his team.
“We just had too many D and transition goals,” he said. “We just gave up too many easy ones and we had too many failed clears. It started to get a little chippy and got into the penalty box, but that’s high school sports. You never know what’s going to happen.”
Defense ruled in the first half, with Lynnfield holding a slim 5-3 lead. Both teams netted four goals in the third to send the teams into the final 12 minutes with Lynnfield on top, 9-7.
Both teams ramped up the defense in the fourth. Two minutes in, Rothwell found the back of the net to pull the Big Blue to within one, 9-8, but that was as close as Swampscott got. Murphy answered right back less than a minute later to bump the Pioneers back up by two, then closed out the scoring six minutes later.
Lamusta said the play of face-off specialist Tyler Maddocks (10 wins) was a “huge” factor in the game.
“I just got better on the referee’s cadence and started to win more draws,” said Maddocks, who credited his wingmen for keeping balls alive. “Kelan, Brendan, Chase Minnier, Angelo Covino – they all definitely played a part in helping me get the loose ball after face-offs.”
Lamusta also highlighted the play of goalie Ben Pimentel (14 saves).
“He stepped it up and was phenomenal in that second half particularly,” Lamusta said. “Ben is just so good. We’ve been lucky to have him for four years now. With such a young defense, it’s so important to have him out there as a field marshal. He had some big saves today.
Beckett said he was happy with Swampscott’s shot selection and credited Pimentel and the Pioneers’ defense for containing the Big Blue’s offense.
“I thought we were getting some shots off on the cage and were getting some of the ones we wanted, and the offense moved the ball really well, so we were definitely getting into the offensive style we want to,” he said. “Their goalie made some nice saves and their defense was really grinding it out for them. I’m proud of how the guys played. Lynnfield has a great squad.”
Beckett said Keegan and Russo played “outstanding,” and also singled out Ostroff and face-off man Luke Michigan.
“Liam was consistently beating his man and is always finding the net, and continues to be a beast,” Beckett said. “Luke battled hard on face-offs today. Tyler had a couple of scrappy little goals in the crease today. Those were big to start a comeback. It’s great to see some of the young guys stepping it up.”
Beckett also highlighted the play of goalie Timmy Sheehan, who finished with 11 saves.
“I’ll take (No.) 29 any day,” Beckett said. “He’s my man.”
The Pioneers are back in action Friday at home against Cape Ann League rival Amesbury at 4 p.m. The Big Blue’s next game is Tuesday at Winthrop beginning at 4:30 p.m.
“Hopefully, we get after our conference next week with some wins,” Beckett said.
