2-2 tie leaves WHS boys at 2-2-2
It was a case of too many twos for the Winthrop High boys soccer team in its three contests this past week.
Last Friday the Vikings earned a 2-2 tie with non-league opponent Bishop Fenwick at Miller Field.
Kerim Kurdu opened the scoring for the Vikings, but the Crusaders responded 15 minutes later to bring the match back to level. However, senior Fabiano Alcala Rodrigues restored Winthrop’s lead just a minute later to make it 2-1 at the intermission.
The Vikings had numerous opportunities to make it a two-score game in the second half (Winthrop players hit the crossbar once and the post twice), but were unable to reach the back of the Fenwick net. The Bishops notched the equalizer with about 10 minutes to go for the 2-2 finale.
“We played a great game after a bitter disappointment two days earlier at Swampscott,” said Ronan, “but we were just unlucky.”
Last Wednesday, Ronan and his crew made the trek northward up the coast to Swampscott. Winthrop took an early lead on a beautiful combination passing play from senior captain Noah Bayersdorfer to Kurdu to Joey Bebri, who slotted the ball past the Big Blue keeper for a 1-0 Viking advantage.
The Winthrop lead held up until late in the game when Swampscott scored with 10 minutes to go and the Big Blue then scored the game-winner with just 10 seconds left in regulation to claim the 2-1 win.
“This was one of the most devastating losses in my 29 years of coaching,” noted Ronan.
Winthrop opened the week with a match against a strong Beverly squad last Monday. The Vikings kept it close through the first half, trailing 2-0 at the intermission (which included an own-goal by the Vikings), but the Panthers pulled away in the second half for the 7-0 win.
“As expected, Beverly was fantastic,” said Ronan. “They are very athletic, big, and skilled. We played a great first half, but they wore us down in the second half.”
Ronan and his crew, who now stand at 2-2-2 on the season, were scheduled to play at Danvers yesterday (Wednesday). Next week they have three home matches with Gloucester on Monday, Salem on Wednesday, and Peabody on Friday. The opening kick-off for all three contests is set for 4:30 on Miller Field at Robert DeFelice Stadium.
WHS cross country teams run at Masco
The Winthrop High girls and boys cross country team ventured northward to take on Masconomet Regional last Wednesday.
For the boys, their top performer was freshman Owen Harty, who finished in third place with a time of 19:07. Senior captain Liam Natareno (6th in 20:29), freshman Matteo Agri (9th in 20:52), sophomore Sean Mgloin (13th in 22:00), junior Even Tallent (17th in 28:01), freshman Joseph Spinale (21st in 30:36), and freshman Ethan Harty (23rd in 33:27) also competed for the Vikings.
On the girls’ side, senior captain Bailey Ferguson came across the line in 17th place in a time of 26:31. Senior Annabelle Giardino (32nd in 29:31) and freshman Era Marra (34th in 30:13) also competed for the Lady Vikings.
“It was great to see lots of time improvements this week,” said WHS head coach Eric Ferguson. “We are looking forward to our first home meet vs. Beverly.”
That meet was set for yesterday (Wednesday) on the course at Deer Island. Ferguson and his crew will trek to Salem next Wednesday.
WHS volleyball team hosts Medford today
The Winthrop High volleyball team, which notched its first win of the season with a 3-0 shutout of Gloucester this past Monday, will host non-league opponent Medford today (Thursday). The opening serve is set for 6:00 in the Winthrop High gym.
The Lady Vikings came up short in their matches last week with Northeastern Conference rivals Swampcott and Marblehead.
“We take everything one practice at a time and will do our best to tighten things up,” said WHS head coach Jeremy Wein. “It’s a short season so there isn’t much time for reflection before you’re on to the next match.”
After today’s contest with Medford, Wein and his crew will hit the road for long treks to Masconomet Regional next Tuesday and to Salem next Thursday.
Strong start for Middle School cross country
The Winthrop Middle School Cross Country team of over 50 athletes had their first meet against Hamilton-Wenham at Deer Island last Thursday. The girls’ race ended in a rare tie. The top runners scoring points for Winthrop were Linden Albers, Anna Chen, Adelaine Correa, Mia Rossi, and Cate Harty
On the boys’ side, the Junior Vikings won their race, led by Tomas Verdaguer, who claimed first place with a clocking of 11:39. Other point-scorers for the Winthrop boys were Matthew Shustov, Franco Ferrara, Sean Verdaguer, and Sam Murphy.
Swampscott comes to Deer Island today (Thursday) for Winthrop’s next meet.
“Swampscott always has a strong team, but our squad is eager for the challenge,” said head coach Adam Crombie.
WHS girls soccer earns 4-0 victory
The Winthrop High girls soccer team posted its first victory of the season with a 4-0 triumph over Excel Academy Monday evening on Miller Field at Robert DeFelice Stadium.
Angela Coscia netted a hat trick for the Lady Vikings and Giuliana Grimaldi scored her first career goal. Coach Tracey Martucci and her crew, who stand at 1-4 on the season, were scheduled to meet Danvers yesterday (Wednesday) and will make the long trips to Gloucester on Monday and to Salem next Wednesday.