LYNN — Every team looks for that fast start – no matter the sport.
Fortunately for Revere’s boys soccer squad (2-0) — and unfortunately for Lynn English (1-2-1) — the Patriots did just that and never looked back, earning a 3-1 win at Manning Field Thursday.
Revere struck in the sixth minute when contact in the box led to a penalty. Patrick Valentine calmly stepped to the spot and slotted his kick to the right portion of the net.
“It was very important to score early. That’s what we spoke about after our first game,” said Revere coach Gerardo Rodriguez. “We played here on Tuesday against Lynn Classical and it was 0-0 until the 65th minute. I told them if we get out to a good start, I’m confident we can manage the game from there.”
Bulldogs’ coach Valdrim Xhemajli called Thursday’s game an “unfortunate” one.
“I thought we started slow, but I thought we were finding our ground. Then, the penalty doesn’t help us,” Xhemajli said. “It’s a penalty where you’re happy if it’s for you, but hate it if it’s against you.”
The Patriots doubled their lead 10 minutes later when a free kick into the box was headed backward by an English defender for an own goal. Soon after, Jeronimo Agudelo tacked on a third (3-0).
It was nearly smooth sailing from there, but Revere suffered a setback when Sebastian Rueda went down with a knee injury and had to be stretchered off the turf.
“It looked like his knee dislocated – it didn’t look great,” Rodriguez said.
When play resumed, the Bulldogs found the scoreboard thanks to Jesse Edeko, who fired home a left-footed shot to the bottom corner of the net.
“We need to shoot more – good things happen when we shoot,” Xhemajli said. “Jesse said he was going to score before the game, so I’m glad he did that. He’s always a guy shooting at practice. Whether he hits the target or over the net by 30 yards, he’s always going to try. We’re happy he got his goal today.”
The Bulldogs pressed in the second half, but couldn’t find their comeback.
“Going down 3-0 was tough, but our guys did a good job of battling back,” Xhemajli said. “It’s hard when you don’t have your starting keeper, who’s hurt.”
Rodriguez said he’s proud of how Revere has opened its season, with wins against Greater Boston League foes Classical and English.
“It feels good. It’s still the beginning of the season and we’re still working things out – like our rotations,” he said. “We had a lot of seniors last year and there’s a bunch of new faces, but overall, it’s been a good start. I’d rather be still learning and correcting these things while we’re winning.”
English hosts Chelsea next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Revere welcomes Everett earlier that day at 4:15 p.m.
