SOMERVILLE — The Lynn Classical girls soccer team has hit its stride at the perfect time, putting together another complete performance in a 3-0 win over Greater Boston League foe Somerville in a GBL semifinal game at Dilboy Stadium Monday afternoon.
“What an unbelievable team win for us, I’m so ecstatic for these girls,” said Classical coach Mike Schena. “The girls played their hearts out and every single one of them contributed to this win. We got great pressure from our midfield, our defenders stopped any scoring chances and it was just a complete team win. Without a full team effort, we don’t win that game.”
Junior Jayda Mateo led the way on offense for the Rams, scoring two goals in the victory. Senior captain Jessica Page added one goal in the win, while senior captain Mary Collins had two assists. Ava Thurman, Maggie Nerich and Olivia Waterman also played well in the midfield.
Despite Somerville coming out of the gates with some strong play, Classical was able to withstand the early pressure and keep the game even. The Rams finally broke through late in the first half, getting a great scoring opportunity before Delaney Dana got taken down in the box to earn a penalty kick for Classical.
Page was chosen to take the kick, and she didn’t disappoint. Despite sending the kick to the same side that the goalie dove toward, Page put enough power behind the kick to knock it into the net for a 1-0 Classical lead.
“That play was really started by Ava and Delaney with their pressure deep in the offensive zone,” said Schena. “Without their hard work, we don’t get that PK opportunity. And credit to Jessica for burying the shot.”
The Rams took that momentum right into the early part of the second half. Within the first few minutes, Collins battled for control of the ball near midfield and sent a perfect long-distance pass up the field to a streaking Mateo, who got past her defender and got in all alone. Mateo shot the ball right under the arm of the diving Somerville goalkeeper, making it 2-1 Rams.
Classical went back to the same formula late in the second half for the third and final goal, with Collins once again sending a perfect long-distance pass to Mateo for a goal.
“We were playing Jayda deep on the last defender, and with her speed there was no way they could keep up with her,” said Schena.
Classical (6-1-1) now moves on to the GBL Final, where it will play on the road against a strong Revere team Wednesday (TBD).
“We faced them in the very first game of the season and tied 2-2, so we’re expecting another tough, even matchup,” said Schena. “We know we’re going to be in for a tough battle, so we’re going to have to come with our best performance of the year.”