SAUGUS — Saugus’ boys soccer team welcomed Marblehead to Christie Serino Jr. Athletic Sports Complex on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, but the Magicians left with all of the smiles after a 3-0 win.
The Sachems came out strong and controlled possession for the opening eight minutes, but couldn’t find an early goal. Then, the Magicians took over and generated chances.
The first big chance for Marblehead came in the 16th minute when Julien Poitevin poked the ball past the goalie, but it was cleared off the line by Saugus’ Daniel Ganada.
In the 35th minute, Marblehead captain Jared Halpern fired a shot from 30 yards out that deflected slightly and found the back of the net, giving the Magicians a 1-0 halftime lead.
Marblehead coach Elmer Magaña was pleased Halpern took the shot.
“Jared Halpern: He’s one of our best ball-handlers and distributors. I always have confidence whenever he takes a shot because he has good aim,” Magaña said. “I’m glad he took that shot.”
Despite trailing, 1-0, Saugus could have been down more if not for goalie Cesar Sosa-Martinez, who made multiple point-blank saves to keep the Sachems in the game.
“Cesar is a junior. He actually didn’t start the last three games. Our other goalie wasn’t here, so he stepped up and had a really good game,” said Saugus coach Joshua Crespo. “I’m very proud of him for having that mental fortitude to be able to step into a game like that and perform.”
Marblehead extended its lead in the second half. Off a corner, Poitevin sent in a cross that found Ilan Druker, who volleyed one home to make it 2-0.
Quinn Cohane then found Miles Fontella-Tuttle in the box for a commanding 3-0 cushion.
“One of my guys said the big three scored: Miles, Ilan, and Jared — our three captains,” Magaña said. “I told Ilan he didn’t need to take extra touches and to take the shot. It was a great pass by Julien Poitevin and it was a great first-time volley from Ilan to shoot and score.”
Despite the loss, Crespo said his Sachems are improving.
“I think we worked hard. I think it was an improvement compared to the last game. We fought for the entire game,” he said. “Marblehead was the better team. I think that showed in the scoreline. They were able to create more chances.”
And despite a few early-season losses, he’s enjoying his time leading the program.
“I can’t say I’m happy because of our record, but I’m enjoying myself. I have a lot of love for the game,” Crespo said. “Results aren’t everything, but we want to win and we’re all competitive. I’m just not happy with the way the results are so far.”
Marblehead has been battling injuries. Magaña credited his players for stepping up.
“We’re dealing with injuries, but our guys stepped up. Mitchell Leighton normally plays as a midfielder, but had to play in defense today and did well. Julien Poitevin also played well today,” Magaña said. “Our goalie, Matias Watts-Cruz, has been playing very well this season. Four shutouts in seven games in his first year as a varsity player.”
The Magicians are back in action Friday when they travel to Danvers at 3:30 p.m. Saugus visits Northeast Metro Monday at 4 p.m.
