LYNN — What a regular season it was for the Lynn Tech girls soccer team.
The Tigers finished 10-8-0 and, for the first time in school history, qualified for the postseason according to head coach JD Perry who called the milestone a “historic moment” for the program.
“This is the first girls soccer team in Lynn Tech history to make the tournament,” Perry said. “It’s a huge accomplishment for this group and for the program as a whole.”
For the players, the achievement carried deep meaning. Senior captain Lovelly Merida said the team’s resilience made this year especially rewarding.
“Two years ago we were told that we made the state tournament only for us to be told the next day that we didn’t make it,” Merida said. “That was a disappointment that stuck with us. This year we proved ourselves by making school history — winning the most games in a season and being the first girls soccer team to qualify for states. It shows how far we’ve come and how our hard work, teamwork, and determination finally paid off.”
Sophomore captain Emily Zacarias said the team’s bond was the foundation of its success.
“Our team bond is very special — we’re like a family,” Zacarias said. “We all get along and support each other. The girls on my team are the people who understand me the most. We’ve been through a lot together, and that connection was even stronger on and off the field.”
That unity was on full display in the Tigers’ regular-season finale — a must-win game against Northeast Metro that clinched their postseason berth. Lynn Tech won the game 3-1.
“In the last game of the season, everything was on the line,” Zacarias said. “We had to win that game. But leading up to it, we had seen our potential, and our communication on and off the field helped us a lot.”
“Everything was on the line, and in the past we struggled against that team,” Merida said.
Perry said moments like that highlighted how far the team has come, crediting the players’ leadership and his coaching staff — assistant coaches Josselyn Guzman, Willy Gomez, and JV coach Kim Eldred — for the team’s growth.
“The bond between the coaching staff and the players has grown stronger every year,” Perry said. “We’ve identified communication and trust as the key pieces we needed to improve. The growth has been incredible, and you can see it on the field.”
For senior captain Angie Niz, this season was both historic and deeply personal.
“This season was very emotional for me because it meant more than just soccer,” Niz said. “Our team made states for the first time in school history, which was such a big accomplishment. But it was also personal — I missed some time because my dad passed away, and coming back from that, plus an injury from last year, made the season even more meaningful. It reminded me how strong I could be from the support of my teammates and coaches.”
Niz said hearing from past players added to the emotion of the moment.
“I know the previous seniors wanted to make states but couldn’t,” Niz said. “They actually reached out and told us how proud they are of us.”
Perry said the program’s progress reflects the culture his players have built.
“We have such a strong culture of good people here,” Perry said. “It’s amazing to see how they all work together for the betterment of this team.”
Perry also credited school president Fred Gallo and athletic director Adolph Graciale for their role and support.
“Our principal Fred Gallo and our athletic director Adolph Graciale have been instrumental and so supportive to this team and this girl’s program’s growth and success,” Perry said.
Merida said this group’s accomplishment will be remembered for years to come.
“We’re always going to remember this season,” she said.
