Tide boys soccer remains unbeaten with wins over Medford, Chelsea, and Malden tie

Everett plays under the lights Monday night against Classical at Lynn’s Manning Field

By Joe McConnell

The Everett High School boys soccer team (2-0-1) remains unbeaten after defeating Chelsea last Thursday, 1-0. They had already blanked host Medford in the opener on Sept. 5, 3-0, before tying Malden, 2-2 on Sept. 10.

Coach Rodney Landaverde is naturally quite pleased with the results so far. “The boys have been playing really well together after applying a lot of the principles we have been working on in practice,” he said. “We will continue to sharpen those skills over the next few games and practices.”

Captain Gabriel Garcia, freshman Jonathan Hernandez and Efrain Ramos scored the goals against Medford. Lucas Rabelo-Araujo assisted on all three scores. Goalie Douglas Landaverde made five saves to record the shutout.

Landaverde praised the efforts of midfielders Luvens Hector, Santiago Arredondo, senior Kareem Drissi, who was recently named the team’s second captain, Rene Lainez and Timothy Villanueva after the Medford game.

Against Malden, Garcia and Rabelo-Araujo netted the Everett goals. Hernandez and Hector were credited with one assist apiece.

The Everett boys dominated the game, collecting many shots on goal, while Landaverde did his part to earn a point for his teammates in the standings. He was also a significant factor in the shutout triumph over the Red Devils.

Hector accounted for the lone goal in the Chelsea game on a penalty kick.

“We as a coaching staff have seen a lot of potential in this group to date, and we trust it will continue to build,” said Landaverde.

Newly appointed captain Kareem Drissi has stepped up as a leader and player to earn a ton of minutes at midfield, according to the first-year boys soccer coach. The coach also mentioned that Hector has been outstanding. His versatility has definitely been an asset in the early going for the team.

Going forward, Landaverde wants to see his team be more consistent in all aspects of the sport to make the most of their efforts throughout the full 80-minutes of a game.

After taking on Revere and Lynn English at home this past week after press deadline, the Everett boys will hit the road for Lynn to face Lynn Classical Monday night (Sept. 23) at Manning Field, beginning at 7:30 p.m. They will then be at Somerville’s Dilboy Stadium next Thursday (Sept. 26) to go up against the host Highlanders at 4:15 p.m.