The Winthrop High boys soccer team turned in one of the best offensive performances in Viking soccer history with a 7-0 victory over the Danvers Falcons last Monday.
Winthrop applied pressure from the opening kickoff and never let up on the gas against a young Danvers team that traditionally is a powerhouse in the Dunn Division of the Northeastern Conference.
“We had some excellent ball movement through the middle of the field and our wingers, freshman Pedro Estevam and sophomore Samuel Jiminez, were making excellent runs down the sides of the field,” said WHS head coach Alex Brown.
Senior Leandro Mendonca opened the scoring for the Vikings on an assist from senior Artur Vereze Rezende. Shortly after the opening goal, junior Seaghan Turner made an excellent run down the left side of the field and crossed the ball to Rezende, who was just outside the 18-yard box, from where Artur found the back of the Falcon net to make it 2-0.
“The midfield kept the ball moving excellently, they kept playing simple, and were making quick passes, which helped us generate many options in the offensive third,” said Brown.
“Our best goal of the game came before the half when senior Chris Crocker moved the ball across the field to freshman Pedro Estevam, who then made a quick pass to Leandro Mendonca, who made the next pass to junior Seaghan Turner, who them returned it back to Leandro, who found the back of the net. It was an excellent team goal!” enthused Brown.
“We led 3-0 at the half and my message to the team was to keep the ball moving, find the open space, and to keep making the diagonal runs,” Brown said. “The ball movement in the first half had been great and we needed to keep things simple and to not overcomplicate the game.”
The second half proved to be more of the same for the Vikings, who continued their great passing, great communication, and a lot of scoring opportunities. Rezende, Mendonca (assisted by sophomore Enthony Silva), Silva, and Turner (assisted by Silva) all found the back of the Falcon net for the 7-0 finale.
“Danvers has a young squad with some good talent,” noted brown. “It just takes playing together for them to build up their chemistry. I congratulated the boys on a great all-around team win. Danvers has always been a strong team, and we had a great matchup with them last year. All our NEC matchups are important and we as a group have set out to make sure they are our best games. We will continue to prepare to the best of our abilities and put forth a game plan that puts us in the best position to win.
Brown noted the shutout for senior goalkeeper Jackson Faber, his first of the season. “All year Jackson has been great back in net,” said the coach. “We have seen him grow over the years and it is great to see his hard work pay off. Jackson, along with our entire senior class, have been a cornerstone of our team’s strong morale and camaraderie.”
Last Wednesday the Vikings made the long trek to fellow NEC Lynch Division foe Salem and came up on the short end of a 2-1 decision.
“What a battle this game was,” said Brown. “We knew going into it that Salem would be a good challenge, especially being in the small school Lynch Division, and each of these games has even more meaning.”
The first half was a back-and-forth affair. Winthrop created some chances on good crosses from sophomore Samuel Jiminez. Freshman Pedro Estevam had an excellent shot from outside the 18-yard box, but the Salem goalkeeper made a tremendous save. Senior Artur Vereze Rezende, senior Leandro Mendonca, and junior Seaghan Turner also had some great chances, but their shots went just wide.
“At halftime I told the guys that the first 10 minutes of the second half were crucial,” said Brown. “We needed to bring the energy and to not come out flat-footed.”
The Vikings heard their coach’s message and within the first 10 minutes, Mendonca found the back of the Witches’ net to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead. However, Winthrop’s momentum lost steam. Salem brought the game back to level off a free kick that Faber saved, but a Salem offensive player went unmarked and zipped the rebound past Jackson.
Salem scored the winning goal in the final five minutes of the game off a corner. The 50/50 ball came in, bounced around inside the penalty box between players, dropped, and was not cleared by the Viking back line. The Salem striker was first to the ball and scored for the 2-1 finale.
“We were ball-watching after we scored our goal,” said Brown. “I spoke with the boys afterwards that we didn’t lose the game because of our lack of skill or game plan, but because of our lack of patience and poise. That responsibility falls on me. I need to make sure that all our players know not to panic and rush the game in crucial minutes where we’re losing or in need of a goal. We had three great first games, but it’s my responsibility to mentally prepare our boys for tough situations like this.”
The Vikings were back on the pitch this past Monday at NEC Lynch Diivision foe Saugus. “After that tough loss, we were hungry and determined to make the next game count,” Brown said. “The mission was the same as it has been: move the ball quickly, put the pressure on from the start, and keep things simple.”
After a back and forth start to the game, the Vikings opened the scoring with a goal from Mendonca, who dribbled through the Saugus defenders and found the back of the Salm net from close range.
“Although we were excited to open the scoring, we did get a bit comfortable in the first half. It’s important that I keep reminding the team to keep their focus and to not get complacent with just a 1-0 lead early on. Anyone in our conference can show up and have the best game of their season, so we always have to have the right mentality throughout each and every game,” said Brown.
However, Saugus scored to tie the game and the teams went into the intermission deadlocked at 1-1. “Assistant coach David Ford had a great message for the boys at half time: don’t play soft. Play with some heart, and make sure you fight for every play out there,” said Brown. “This really helped get the boys in the right mindset going into the second half.”
As the second half got underway, a back-and-forth game ensued with both teams having chances. Winthrop struck first off a beautiful corner kick from Turner, who . found Vereze Rezende in the penalty box, with Artur making a great redirect with a header. Saugus responded with a goal to deadlock matters once again, but some decisive plays from sophomore Samuel Jimenez, junior Matias Alvarez, and junior Lucas Rey proved decisive.
“These three guys stepped up big in the second half,” said Brown. “They all had great hustle, made some great tackles, and were tremendous on the defensive side of the ball.”
With about 10 minutes remaining, the Vikings had another cross off a corner on which Vereze Rezende delivered a nice shot after a redirect from both Viking and Saugus players in the penalty box, for the 3-2 victory.
Brown and his crew were scheduled to meet NEC Dunn Division foe Masconomet yesterday (Wednesday). They will travel to NEC Lynch Division adversary Swampscott on Monday and to non-league foe Bishop feehan next Wednesday.
The Winthrop High golf team is off to a nice start, taking four of its first seven matches in 2026.
“We’re looking to capitalize on back-to-back 12-win seasons and make the state tournament for the third straight year,” said WHS head coach Jack Walalce. “The team is led by the group of four seniors who have turned the program around and been role models to our 7th and 8th graders on the team.
“Nikita Rossi, Tony Bordonaro, Paulie Ferrara and Jojo Pumphret. Danny Connolly, Johnny Poulos, Luca Braga, and Max Dassau round out our top eight,” Wallace added. “Key players who could make a difference at some point are Dan McNeil, Gordie Kotyluk, Ethan Staff, and Landon Gunn. Louie Taylor shows a lot of promise as well. So do most our 8ths and 7ths. All have worked hard this fall so far.”
The Vikings opened the season with a 178-138 stroke-play victory over Northeast Regional at the Merrimack Valley Country Club. Soph Max Dassau headlined this match as he tallied 34 points to lead the match. Senior captain Tony Bordornaro also added 31 points.
The Vikings came up short in a 46-26 loss at Beverly, “This match was a tough match as we played a very good Beverly team,” said Wallace. “Our top five played exceptionally well as we were only down seven points through five golfers, highlighted by ties from senior Paulie Ferrara and junior Danny Connolly.
“Senior captain Nikita Rossi played the number one player from Beverly tough, as he was tied through seven holes, but ended up losing by two,” Wallace noted. “This was a hard match vs. a potential all conference golfer, but it shows what Nikita’s ceiling can be.
“Soph Max Dassau chipped in on nine to contribute four points,” said Wallace. “It was a competitive match from Max as he fought back and didn’t give up.
“Paulie Ferara played well and has been in the 3-4 spots all year,” Wallace continued. “He hits the ball a long way and uses his good wedge game to his advantage. He is dangerous on short courses.
“Danny Connolly kept the ball in play consistently, which led him to lead most of his match, though he ended up with a tie,” Wallace added. “Captain Tony Bordonaro had a tough end-stretch, but contributed three points. Our back end had a tough day as the course got to them a little bit and they pressed vs, good opponents.”
The Vikings then dropped a 44-28 decision to Swampscott at the Winthrop Golf Club. “This was not a good showing from our team at home,” said the coach. “We struggled from the start and stayed down in the match and couldn’t come back. I expect us to play better vs. them at Todesco (Swampcott’s home course).
“The final score was 44-28. This can happen in match play, but I truly feel this was a match we can learn from and move on and see as coaches and players what needs to be better,” Wallace added.
The highlights were from senior captain Tony Bordonaro and junior Danny Connolly, both winning 5-4 at the 4 and 5 spots. Both matches were back and forth and they capitalized at home for Winthrop’s only victories. “These were great wins on a bad overall day,” Wallace noted.
The Vikings handled their business in a 68.5-3.5 win over non-league opponent Everett, as every WHS golfer won their matches with ease at home. “These are key matches to take care of business and prep your game for different shots or different methods of playing match play,” noted Wallace. “Congratulations to Gordie Kotyluk on his first varsity victory at the 8-spot, 9-0.”
Winthrop then came up just short in a 37-35 loss to NEC rival Danvers at the WGC. “This was a very close match and a turning point in my opinion as a team, even though we lost a tough, hard-fought match,” said Wallace. “The final score was 37-35, which is one hole in any match that can sway the outcome, so it’s a tough pill to swallow. I saw a lot of good things, great body language, and helping each other throughout the whole match. As a coach it was very good to see.”
Highlights for Winthrop included a 6-3 win by senior captain Nikita Rossi at the one spot. “This was an impressive win and set the tone for the match,” Wallace said. “Nikita has been very consistent at the one-spot as it’s not easy whatsoever. You have to really be able to score well to compete, so hats off to him.”
Soph Max Dassau won his ninth hole to tie his match at the #2, 4.5-4.5. “Max is due to go low very soon, as he’s had some up and down matches/opponents. Max has all the talent to beat anyone. It’s just a matter of time,” said Wallace.
“Soph Luca Braga gave us a big chance at the end, winning his match 5.5-3.5. He has been a great spark at the end of the lineup and is very consistent,” noted Wallace. “Johnny Poulos won his ninth hole and battled back from two-down to tie 4.5-4.5. He was fighting his putter all day, but stayed true and calm and battled.” Senior Paul Ferrara and captain Tony Bordonaro contributed four points each in tough matches.
The Vikings rebounded with a 42.5-29.5 win over non-league foe Rockport at the WGC this past Monday.
“This was a complete match as the back end really picked up the team. as Rockport’s top four were very solid,” said Wallace. “I am proud as a coach how we bounced back after a tough week mentally.
“A highlight of this match was the play of soph Johnny Poulos with an 8.5-.5 win at the five spot,” Wallac noted. “Johnny has been very consistent this year as a full time starter and his future will be one to watch.
“Senior Jojo Pumphret broke into the win column and won 5.5-3.5. Jojo was three down, but then won 5 1/2 holes in a very impressive performance,” Wallace said. “Soph Luca Braga won 7-2 at the seven spot, which sealed the match. Soph Dan McNeil in his varsity debut also won 7-2 at #8. Dan stepped up and took care of business and has been very consistent at practice much to the delight of Assistant Coach Kevin Adamson. Dan has worked very hard.
Senior Captain Tony Bordornaro contributed four points at #3 and Max Dassau tied his match 4.5-4.5 at #2. The last four Vikings all won their ninth holes for a big four points to conclude the match. Senior Captain Nikita Rossi and junior Dan Connolly contributed 3.5 points each in a nice team win.
Wallace and his Vikings, who stand at 4-3 on the season, were scheduled to play at Georgetown yesterday (Wednesday), at Salem today (Thursday), and at Saugus next Wednesday as they make their push to reach the state tourney.
The Winthrop High volleyball team came up short in its matches this past week with Gloucester and Peabody.
“We went and lost to Gloucester this week, which really didn’t feel good,” said WHS head coach Jeremy Wein. “We had good practices and the energy was okay, but we just couldn’t seem to get in a rhythm.
“We then traveled to Peabody for what is always a difficult match,” Wein continued.
“I am a firm believer in the idea that a loss is a loss and no matter what, that shouldn’t sit well. In this case, we took the first set from their starters and showed what we were capable of. We relaxed in the second set, which was wildly disappointing. In the third and fourth sets we came to play again, but fell short.
“Kylie McFarland played extremely well with three kills plus a block. Makayla Herdt had 15 digs and zero serve errors,” Wein said. “Helena Gajica was the heart and mind of the team. She was able to distribute the ball, dive all over the place, had a couple of kills, and just played.
“I hate looking at stats as the storyteller for any event,” Wein added. “There were plays that showed what everyone was capable of. Our team reminds me of a line from a ZAO song, ‘The shaking seems so still when you’re shaking as well.’ We enter these matches as a program and not individuals. If we win, we win as a team. If we lose, we lose as a team. JV, varsity, coaches. Everything is manageable when we stick to the goal of progress. It does not matter who we play because our goal is to beat yesterday.”
The Lady Vikings, who were scheduled to play Georgetown this past Tuesday and Swampscott yesterday (Wednesday), will host Chelsea tomorrow (Friday), Masconomet on Monday, and Salem next Wednesday.
The Winthrop High girls soccer team earned its first victory of the season with a 3-2 victory over Lynn Tech this past Saturday. Senior Ana Freitas and freshman Audra Currier scored the goals for the Lady Vikings.
Coach Tracey Martucci’s squad then turned in one of its most impressive performances in many years with a 3-3 tie vs. perennial NEC powerhouse Saugus this past Monday evening.
“A tie with Saugus is a huge accomplishment for our team,” said Martucci. “We haven’t been in a close game with them in years. I am very proud of the way we are playing together. We had goals by senior captain Angela Coscia, sophomore Nia Ochoa on a penalty kick, and freshman Lola Ferrara. Our goalkeeper, freshman Edyn Ferullo, has been playing great, making some big saves to keep us in the games.”
Last Wednesday, the Lady Vikings came up short vs. Salem in a hard-fought match, 3-0. “Even though it was a loss, our effort showed that we are playing really well and that we are coming together as a team,” said Martucci.
The Lady Vikings, who now stand at 1-2-1 on the season, were scheduled to make the long treks to always-tough Masconomet yesterday (Wednesday) and Gloucester today (Thursday). They will host Swampscott this coming Monday.
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