Boys soccer team captures first state championship
The 2004 Red Sox, the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers – some championships are just a long time coming.
Add the Lynnfield boys soccer team to that list.
The Pioneers’ state title from November was years in the making, but boy oh boy, when it finally came, was it sweet.
At Scituate High School, No. 2 Lynnfield (Division 4) battled frigid temperatures and wind gusts up to 20 mph, defeating No. 9 Monomoy 1-0 to claim the team’s first state title in program history.
Junior sensation Dillon Reilly (27 goals on the season) scored the game-winning goal in the 64th minute.
A minute earlier, junior goalkeeper Kelan Cardinal made the save of the game, one-handing a header by Monomoy freshman Tate Laramee off a corner, which coach Brent Munroe said was a “game-saver.”
“We were just surviving in the second half,” Munroe said. “Our defense played well, but I feel like, overall, we didn’t play our best.”
Then, Reilly – somehow, someway – managed to fight off three defenders before firing a bullet at the speed of sound from about 30 yards out past Monomoy keeper Paul Carlson inside the far post.
By the way, Reilly scored seven of Lynnfield’s eight state tournament goals – and every one through the final four games.
The time ran out on Monomoy, and it was time for the Lynnfield community to celebrate.
“It’s great that they all came down to Scituate to watch our game and I was so appreciative that all those kids came a long way to root for us,” Munroe said.
Speaking of Munroe, it was one he had waited 31 years to savor (23 as varsity coach).
“For me, personally, it’s just finally, finally,” he said. “It’s so hard to get it and while we had those two opportunities in ’06 and ’07, I didn’t know if we would ever have another chance. I’m thankful that we got an opportunity, and shocked and happy that we were able to finish it off. To win today was going to be hard. I’ve coached a lot of teams that didn’t win it… but to win one makes me feel pretty good.”
And the celebration poured on for Munroe and company. They were honored by the community on Thanksgiving Day with a rolling parade and special ceremonies at Town Hall and Lynnfield High prior to the football team’s game against North Reading.
“This is so great for the kids,” Munroe said. “I’m excited and happy and still smiling, and I’m happy to see the guys again. The celebration continues and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Keep smiling, Pioneers.