The English girls soccer team’s ride back from Boston was a happy one Saturday. English played one of its best games of the season in a 4-1 win over Burke at Ceylon Park.
“We scored two goals fast,” English coach Ed McNeil said. “Burke came back and made it 2-1. But we closed the game with two goals. We dominated the game, we dominated time of possession. We just struggled with scoring goals. A win is a win and we’ll take it.”
Melissa Zayas drove the offense with a pair of goals. Kushma Monger and Ashley Martinez each found the back of the net for their first career varsity goals.
Freshman Emmah Faris-Howes stepped in at goalie and played a solid game.
“Emmah’s directly from Lynn Youth Soccer,” McNeil said. “She played a great game. I liked her composure. She only made four saves but she made the saves she had to make. She’s a 14-year-old freshman and I don’t think she expected to play. I reached out to her Friday to let her know she was in, and she was very excited.”
Ravyn Rapley led the defense.
The Bulldogs improved to 2-4-1. They’re back in Northeastern Conference play Monday night (6:30) when they visit conference powerhouse Danvers.
“We know Danvers is loaded,” McNeil said. “They beat Swampscott 7-3 last week and Swampscott’s a great team. Danvers will probably be the best team we’ve played in about three or four years. We’ll do our best.”
GIRLS SOCCER
Saugus 1, Classical 0
The Sachems improved to 5-1, while Classical fell to 1-4-2.
Rams coach Mike Schena said the Rams were limited by injuries.
“Losing six starters forced us to play a defense package against Saugus,” Schena said. “I’m proud of our girls and can’t wait to have them 100 percent healthy.
“Saugus is a great team and well-coached,” Schena said. “They passed the ball well. I’m not taking anything away from them.”
Schena said Anna Flaherty, Jess Page, Chloe Kebreau, Ava Corenti, Amanda Tucker, Maggie Nerrich, Olivia Waterman, Aliza Corenti, Izzy McGaughey and Mackenzie Shea played well.
Classical hosts Marblehead Monday (4).
Saugus visits Swampscott Monday (4).
Danvers 1, Fenwick 0
Arianna Bezanson’s goal in the 15th minute was all Danvers needed for the win.
“Danvers was quick to the ball. That’s a good squad over there,” said Fenwick coach Steve Flaherty. “Some days that’s the way it is. A lot of credit goes to the other team as they didn’t really make us comfortable on the ball. That’s what a good team does to you. They took us out of our game.”
While the first half was evenly played, the Falcons had the Crusaders back on their heels for most of the second. But Fenwick’s sophomore keeper, Claudia Keith, kept the Falcons off the board with several key saves, the biggest one coming in the 63rd minute when she came way off her line to deny Abby Cash on a breakaway.
“We know Claudia well as she is a Danvers girl,” said Danvers coach Jim Hinchion. “She made at least two incredible saves to keep it a 1-0 game. “
Flaherty highlighted the strong play of Keith and Elani Gikas on defense.
“I schedule games like this to get ready for the CCL, so this is a great game to prepare for the CCL season,” Flaherty said. “I’m happy with their effort, but the heat kind of got to us in the second half and I needed to do a better job subbing in. That’s my fault, not theirs.”
The Crusaders host Spellman Monday (4) in a Catholic Central League tilt. Danvers hosts English Monday (6:30).
BOYS SOCCER
Saugus 5, Gloucester 3
James Rodrigues and Ben Tapia-Gately led the Sachems to victory with two goals each. Kyle McLaughlin netted one goal.
Goalie Jacob Goodwin play solid in net.
“It was back and forth for most of the game,” Saugus coach Josh Hickey said. “We led 3-2 at halftime. Overall I thought everyone played really well. We had some players step up on defense because of a couple injuries.”
Saugus, now 2-3 on the season, hosts Swampscott Monday (4) at Anna Parker Field.
