Warriors Soccer Teams Lose Close Season Openers

From a myriad of scoring opportunities, the girls soccer team managed just a lone goal in the season-opener Wednesday afternoon.

But the goal proved decisive as the host Warriors defeated Wayland, 1-0.

“I just said to the girls that I thought that they had some really nice combination play at times,” said Warriors head coach Kate Berry. “I thought we could be more consistent with our combination play. But I thought there was some really pretty soccer played out there.”

Combination play was vital in the goal as freshman Hannah Rosenblatt was in the right corner when she sent a bouncing pass toward the net. Senior midfielder Emily Casey, situated to the front left of goal, collected the ball and ricochet it off the right post and in for the tally. That gave the Warriors the 1-0 lead with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

“That was awesome,” said Berry. “Emily Casey, technically sound, got her foot on the top half of the ball, sent it back in the direction in which it came, which is exactly what you want your finishers to do. And scored side netting.”

For Wayland coach Guy Enoch, the loss was difficult as his team had thoroughly prepared in the preseason.

“It’s tough,” he said. “We worked hard for the first game of the season. L-S is clearly the better team. They could have made it a 3-0 game, but we held our own to a degree. Hopefully, we’ll get better in the future.”

One of the chances for the Warriors to augment their advantage arrived 12 minutes into the second half with Cassidy Boegel bringing the ball down the right field side. The junior sweeper passed the ball inside the goalie box to Madison Acton, who ripped a shot top right. But Wayland goalie Mackenzie Salitsky jumped to punch the ball over the net.  

The game, for coach Berry, displayed her team’s status.

“I think that it’s a pretty good indication of what we are already doing well, what areas we need to work on, and the potential for future success,” she said.

The girls next play Friday at home against Waltham.

Boys soccer update

Wayland High School boys' soccer coach David Gavron reported that, the Wayland boys' team also dropped a tough season opener to Lincoln-Sudbury.

After scoring first when senior Hadrien Symon put one in the net from 30 yards out on a knuckling strike, Lincoln-Sudbury pulled out two goals in the second to secure the win, 2-1.

Wayland boys are in action next at Waltham on Friday.