MHS Varsity Boys Soccer Ends Winless Streak in Victory over Salem

Marblehead High School’s Boys Varsity Soccer Team ended a five game winless streak with a decisive victory over Salem this past Wednesday evening, October 5, 2022. The team is now 5-3-2, a winning record that, if maintained, would earn them a spot in the playoffs at the end of the season. Despite a very strong start earlier this fall, Marblehead has recently lined up against several division giants among other difficult matchups. The first challenge came on September 14 against Danvers. The game ended in a 1-1 tie, with  Kyle Hart (Sophomore) scoring the team’s lone goal. Marblehead performed well all around, but failed to overcome the strong Danvers' defense. Three days later, Marblehead faced off against Gloucester, an impressive contender in past years with a strong record in the 2022 season. Marblehead failed to score until late in the second half, when a corner kick found the back of the net courtesy of several Marblehead players inside the 18 yard box. The final score against Gloucester was 4-1.

The pressure continued two days later, on September 19, when Marblehead lost 6-2 in a tough matchup against Peabody. Peabody is another division giant whose strong performances span several years. Marblehead remained scoreless until the second half, during which Hart found the net with a well placed long shot, with Jack Burke (Junior) taking Marblehead’s score to two off of a cross from the left wing. 

The team faced Saugus just two days later, with the game ending in a 0-0 tie, a disappointing outcome for the Magicians who were looking to return to the impressive victories they had achieved earlier in the season. 

In their third loss of the season, Marblehead was unable to outscore a strong Masconomet High School (Masco) side. Masco, a strong competitor across every sport, found the net three times during the matchup while Marblehead failed to do so even once. 

Finally, this past week, Marblehead turned the tide, prevailing over Salem in an exciting matchup that ended with a score of 3-0. Captain Isaiah Piña (Senior) put two on the board for Marblehead, with Matt Sherf (Sophomore) placing the final nail in the coffin with his late goal. Goalie Rory Zampese (Sophomore) played an important role in this game as always, ensuring that Salem's several attempts on goal didn’t find the back of the net. Captains Sebby Panzer (Senior) and Harrison Curtis (Senior), who both played in the midfield, also performed well, each creating several key opportunities for the strikers. 

Throughout this season, several key defenders have remained on the field for the entire matchup, providing a strong base at the back from which to develop plays. Riley Schmitt (Junior), T.J. Kelly (Freshman), Mason Lohan (Senior), Colin White (Sophomore), and Quinn Fletcher (Sophomore) have played important roles in supporting Zampese, who has had a great season so far and plays an integral role in Marblehead’s lineup. 

Marblehead will look to follow up their win over Salem with another victory over Beverly on Monday, October 10, 2022. The Magicians brought the game to Beverly earlier in the season with a 2-0 victory and are hoping to prevail again, this time as their opposition comes to Marblehead. The game will take place at 4:00 PM at Marblehead High School’s Piper Field.