Everett girls’ soccer team explodes past Lynn English for second league win

By Joe McConnell

The Everett High School girls’ soccer team (2-1 in the Greater Boston League, 3-3 overall) finished last week by splitting two games. Visiting Revere first blanked them, 3-0, on Sept. 20, before they rolled to a 5-1 triumph over Lynn English two days later.

Against Revere, goalie Laura Sanchez had a great game, holding her own after turning away many shots to keep things close, according to coach Dom Persuitte. “Emilia Maria-Babcock also had a stellar game,” Persuitte said. “She stepped into a new role as a defender, and was lights out. Maria Silvestri stood out in this game, as well.

“Despite the loss, we played well, and we are looking forward to playing [Revere] again to even the score next month at Revere [Oct. 12, 7 p.m.],” added the Everett coach.

Against Lynn English, the Crimson Tide girls came out on fire, passing a ball around the entire field to dominate the Bulldogs. “This was a great effort particularly by Emilia Maria-Babcock, who was playing in her new role as a center-defensive midfielder,” said Persuitte.

Yelsa Garcia led the way for her teammates with two goals. Her first goal was on a defensive block six minutes into the game. She also scored again from Adalmita Silva. Silva then scored a short time later with an assist going to Layla Cardona. Newcomer Maria Silvestri, who is making a name for herself by controlling the right wing, also scored on another defensive block.

In the second half, the Tide scored two more goals. Alondra Flores netted one tally assisted by freshman Layla Leles. Layla Cardona then rocketed a shot home from 18 yards out.

“We played extremely well, stepping up in many areas that were being missed in earlier game,” said Persuitte.

Sanchez had a clean slate in net throughout the first half and only saw a handful of shots overall. Freshman Kaylee Velasquez took over the goaltending chores in the second half and played well, despite allowing English’s lone goal of the game, according to the coach.