English looks to build on City Soccer title

The Lynn English girls soccer team enjoyed one of the greatest moments in the program’s history this season when it upset St. Mary’s, 2-1, in the finals of the Lynn City Soccer Tournament.

Goalkeeper Lindsay Roy received the Most Valuable Player Award while Shauna Henry and Briana Moreno scored the goals that helped propel the Lady Bulldogs to its first-ever Lynn city title.

“Without a doubt, that’s been the highlight of the season so far,” said English coach Ed McNeil. “St. Mary’s had won the tournament every year and had been 9-0 in the tournament heading into that game. They had beaten us four years in a row. It was a great win because we’ve been trying to beat them for years.”

Roy, who replaced four-year starter Brittany Goulet in the English net, continued her magnificent play in a 2-1 loss to Saugus, but the talented senior has missed games against Revere and Salem due to a bruised shin bone injury. McNeil is hoping to have his NEC All-Star candidate back for Tuesday night’s key game with Winthrop.

“Without a doubt, I feel that Lindsay will be on the All-Star team,” said McNeil. “She’s only given up three goals in four games.”

The team has also been minus the services of senior standout Alex Henry, who is out four to six weeks with a sprained ankle and broken toe injury.

“Alex is a long distance runner and has tremendous endurance and usually defends against the best player on the other team,” said McNeil. “We really miss her presence on the field.”

Brianna Vaughan, a very good athlete and daughter of former Lynn English football star Brian Vaughan, has been out of the lineup with a slight concussion.

“Brianna is in great shape conditioning wise and you never have to take her off the field,” said McNeil.

While McNeil says that injuries have hindered his team, the coach is hopeful the squad can return to its early-season form and make a run for a state tournament berth. Shauna Henry, a solid all-around player and a captain, has scored five goals. “Shauna is one of the leaders of the team and the most valuable player,” said McNeil.

Shannon Kidney has provided outstanding leadership as a captain and her steady contributions will be essential if the Lady Bulldogs (3-4 overall) hope to qualify for the state tournament.

Briana Moreno, who scored the game-winner against St. Mary’s, has scored six goals in seven games.

Abbie Matocchio, a sophomore forward, has three goals and has a bright future in the program. “She’s going to be a very good player,” said McNeil.

Girls hockey star Mackenzie Clark is contributing well on offense and defense. In the game against Salem, Clark displayed her versatility by excelling at the sweeper position.

Karissa Burton, a freshman, is having an excellent rookie season. Usually a fullback, Burton stepped in and played goalkeeper versus Revere and Salem.

Looking ahead, McNeil knows that his team’s October 22 game at Manning Field will be a much-anticipated one. The Bulldogs’ opponent will be St. Mary’s High School, the team they knocked off the city championship perch.

“I got to know a lot of the St. Mary’s girls because we were in the summer league with them,” said McNeil. “Right after the city championship game, they were asking, ‘Coach, when do we play you again?’ and I said, October 22. They said, ‘we can’t wait for that one.’’’

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