Everett girls’ soccer shows positive signs for success in the early going

Tide gets closer to that elusive first win with solid efforts in its first three games of the season 

By Joe McConnell

The Everett High School girls’ soccer team dropped its first three games of the regular season, scoring just once, but coach Dom Persuitte sees brighter days ahead as a result of sustained solid efforts in each of those contests.

The Tide’s home opener was against non-league Brockton on Sept. 3. But the Boxers were not too kind to the host squad, shutting them out to the tune of 8-0.

“Despite the loss, we held our ground during the first half of the game, when it was still a scoreless tie,” said Persuitte.

Emilia Maria-Babcock, who took on the role of the team’s starting goaltender last fall, has continued her stellar play to date. “(Maria-Babcock) turned away countless shots in this game against Brockton to keep us in it throughout the first half,” said Persuitte.

Giselle Lemus and Sofia Arana-Quintanilla did their part to help her out in the defensive backfield, according to Persuitte. Luna Maselli played an amazing role in keeping the ball moving and the team organized from her midfield position.

“There’s much more to work on, but good things are coming down the road,” said the coach.

Two days later, the Everett girls faced Greater Boston League (GBL) rival Medford in the home opener. Persuitte said it was a physically tough game that ended heartbreakingly for the Tide, 1-0, while adding that Maria-Babcock had another stellar game in net, turning away shot after shot.

Her teammates played sharp soccer in front of her. They openly communicated with each other on the pitch, which resulted in a string of crisp passes.

Defender Sofia Arana-Quintanilla, central defensive midfielder Alondra Flores and wingers Connie Paz Hernandez and Kathleen DeSouza stood out against the Mustangs.

Persuitte went on to say that Yelsa Garcia played a pivotal role in drawing the Medford defense over to her, which allowed DeSouza, Hernandez and Kayla Andrade to get some solid shots on net.

The Tide went on to play Methuen on Sept. 7 on the road, where they lost, 7-1.

“This was another tough loss, but I’m seeing signs of improvement,” said Persuitte. “Maria-Babcock kept turning away shots, and her tireless effort kept us in the game, despite the score.”

Garcia netted the team’s first goal of the season after a deflected crossing pass that came her way. She dribbled around the center-backs, before putting her shot home.

“Once she scored that goal a spark was lit,” said Persuitte. “Everyone picked up their heads and realized we could cut the deficit.”

Notable players, who held their ground against physical Methuen, were Lemus, Flores and Maselli. Tide varsity newcomer Lavina Batista Simon, who was recently promoted from the JV squad, made a distinct impression that permanently solidified her varsity spot on the roster.

“We’re 0-3, but this will change in the coming weeks,” promises Persuitte.

The Tide took on Malden (Sept. 10) and Chelsea (Sept. 12) this week after press deadline, looking for that elusive first win. They will then be at Revere to go up against the Patriots Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 17), starting at 4:15 p.m.

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