Girls Soccer Team 2012

VARSITY GAMES ARE @ MANNING FIELD…JV GAMES ARE @ HOOD PARK (HOLYOKE STREET)

HEAD COACH: KERRI ALTIERI       JUNIOR VARSITY COACH: JESSICA TRIOLI

10/26/11  -  Congratulations to Coach Altieri who has been selected NEC South Soccer Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Jillian Strilekis, Jessica Perez, and Francesca Galeazzi for being selected Soccer 2012 C0-Captains.

Varsity SoccerTeam 2011

JV Soccer Team 2011

The Girls Soccer Team had a Team-Building Party at Laser Quest last weekend.

 Girls JV Soccer Team 2011

Agganis, Paula

Aguila, Alexia

Aguilar, Dany

Altema, Carla

Bah, Hali

Bangura, Saffinata

Banville, Ariel

Bradbury, Dennisha

Connolly, Christine

Dejoie, Olivia

Gonzalez, Shyla

Lopez, Stephanie

Mackin, Makenzie

Mawhinney, Esther

Nwogu, Stephanie

Omjuma Wargo, Anna

Perez, Juliemar

Unubun, Jessica

 

 

Classical's Mackenzie Coppinger (23) heads the ball over Winthrop's Maura Lanza (22) during their game at Manning Field on Tuesday. (Item Photo / Angela Owens) Classical battles Winthrop to tie By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item LYNN - Sometimes scraping a point out of a game feels like a win, but that wasn't the case at Manning Field on Tuesday, where both the Classical and Winthrop High girls soccer coaches left feeling like they let one slip away. The two teams battled to a 1-1 tie with the Rams drawing first blood 7:30 into the contest and the Vikings tying things up three minutes later. Although both teams had scoring opportunities down the stretch, with an assortment of shots hitting the crossbar and the posts, nothing else found its way into the net. "It was a very frustrating game," Classical coach Kerri Altieri said. "It felt more like a loss than a tie." Winthrop coach Tracey Martucci was also looking for a better outcome given the success the Vikings have had against the Rams in the past. "We were hoping to squeeze out a win, but Classical played well," she said. Martucci said her offense has been doing a good job moving the ball down the field, but the problem has been finishing. "Finding the net has been a problem," Martucci said. Classical struck first when Stephanie Lopez lofted the ball from the left side of the field. It looked like the goalie would get to it, but the ball sailed over her head and into the net. The Rams' celebration didn't last very long. Three minutes later, Winthrop's Amanda Cordes scored off a rebound on a shot by Liana Ferullo. The Rams, who lost their star midfielder, Franki Galeazzi, in the second game of the season, were bit by the injury bug again. Rebecca Potter, who also plays midfield, was sidelined with a foot injury and goalie Jillian Strileckis had to leave the game midway through the first half due to a hand injury. Freshman Chelsea Rogers stepped in for Strileckis and did an admirable job, posting a shutout the rest of the way despite a couple of mad scrambles in front of the net. The Rams also got a huge lift defensively from sophomore Kristin Lauria, who broke up a couple of Winthrop breakaways and near breakaways. "Kristin Lauria was our defense today," Altieri said. "She got to every ball. She played her hardest. She wasn't afraid of anything." Chelsey Martin also came up with a big stop on a Winthrop shot late in the game to help preserve the tie. Classical is 1-2-1 and Winthrop is 1-3.

Lynn Classical Varsity Girls’ Soccer Roster  2011 -2012

Classical 7, Tech 0     In the first game of the twinbill, the Rams came out flying, scoring four goals in the first nine minutes. Sophomore Krista Cuozzo had the hot foot in the early going, giving Classical a 1-0 lead on its first trip down the field. She scored again less than four minutes later and when fellow sophomore Franki Galeazzi put one home with 33 minutes left in the half (her first of two goals), it was clear the Tigers were in for a long night. Allison Kurpiel and freshman Jennifer Ierardi scored before halftime to give the Rams a 5-0 lead. Galeazzi struck again early in the second half for a 6-0 Classical lead and Kurpiel notched her second of the night around the 20-minute mark for the 7-0 final. Jillian Strileckis and Chelsea Rogers split the game in net for Classical, but neither faced a shot. Christina Walters and Ofelia Alas shared the goaltending duties for the Tigers and although the score was 7-0, both faced a constant barrage of shots. Classical spent the entire game in Tech territory. "They both did a phenomenal job," Tech coach Jeremy McKeen said about his goalies. The Tigers struggled with numbers with only one player on the bench at times. "They played their hearts out," McKeen said. Classical coach Kerri Altieri was pleased with her team's passing game, particularly in the first half, although she said it still needs a lot of work. "They're starting to play together as a team," Altieri said.

Classical girls soccer enters season with more experience  Published on Friday, September 02, 2011 By Rich Tenorio / The Daily Item Classical coach Kerri Altieri watches junior varsity soccer player Juliemar Perez work on a head-butting drill during practice at Hood Park on Wednesday. (Item Photo / Angela Owens) With experience in a summer league under its collective belt, the Classical girls soccer team is ready for the season-opening Lynn City Tournament. "We have a little (bit) of an advantage," second-year head coach Kerri Altieri said. "The girls played in a summer league. There's a good synergy going on." Altieri reports that there has been a carry-over from last season's veterans into this year. "We have a lot of girls who stayed," she said. "Most of our varsity team played last year. Last year was a real growing year. Now they're used to playing with each other. The passing game has come a long, long way. I'm hopeful for a better season." Classical struggled last year, winning two games, but quite a few players are back, such as center-midfielders Franki Galeazzi and Rebecca Potter, and forward Jennie Erekson. "(Galeazzi and Potter) do a great job together," Altieri said. "Keep an eye on (Jennie). She's come a long way. She's a really, really strong forward." Meanwhile, on defense, the team has stopper Kristin Lauria, whom her coach characterized as "very instrumental" and a "solid player." However, the team has a challenge in net with incumbent Mackenzie Coppinger limited due to an injury. Altieri said that two other goalies have stepped up: Jillian Strileckis and Jessica Perez. "Both are good," the coach said. There are four captains on the Rams this season: Erekson, Coppinger, Katie Cuozzo and Alison Kurpiel. All are seniors. The team did graduate several key players in Christine Francois, Gabbi Galeazzi and Brianna Capone. Yet, Altieri said, "tryouts are going really well," with 47 players showing up. Classical will play Tech in the first round of the city soccer tournament on Sept. 6 at Manning Field. As for the Rams' upcoming Northeastern Conference schedule, the coach said, "Salem is always really strong. Lynn English is looking pretty good, and Winthrop is always a tough one for us." Altieri is a math teacher at Classical and she hopes to add some good vibes to her players' morale. "I think one of the things I try to concentrate (on) is giving positive feedback," she said. "A lot is just constructive things. I'm not one of those yellers. I don't really hammer the kids." As for being at Classical, Altieri said, "I love it. The girls are just great. It's nice to have the girls in class. It works well to be in the same school as the kids." Rounding out Altieri's staff are returning assistant Gina Diamantopoulos and new JV coach (and Classical alum) Justina Alicudo, who is also in her second year teaching Spanish at her alma mater. "(Alicudo's) going to do a good job," Altieri said. "She's a great fit. She'll fit right in without any kinks."

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6^TH                LC @ LVTI             5PM           MANNING FIELD           LYNN CITY SOCCER TOURNAMENT        VARSITY ONLY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH                  ST. MARY'S @LCHS 3:30PM     JV @ HOOD PARK      ( JV HOME OPENER)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10^TH          LC  VS TBA            TBA            MANNING FIELD           LYNN CITY SOCCER TOURNAMENT        VARSITY ONLY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17^TH          LC @ N QUINCY  10AM         VARSITY/JV

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20^TH             WINTH @ LC        4PM           VARSITY/JV

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22^ND          GLOU @ LC          7PM-VARSITY  4PM-JV

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26^TH             LC @ REVERE      4PM            VARSITY/JV

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28^TH      SAUGUS @ LC    3:30PM-VARSITY  4PM-JV

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4^TH                    LC @ LE                  6PM-VARSITY        4PM-JV

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6^TH                 SALEM @ LC        7PM-VARSITY        4PM-JV

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10^TH                 LC @ MRB             10AM          VARSITY/JV

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12^TH           LC @ WINTH        4PM            VARSITY/JV

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18^TH                  LC @ GLOUC        4PM             VARSITY/JV

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20^TH               REVERE @ LC       5:15PM-VARSITY   4PM-JV

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24^TH                  LC @ SAUGUS    4PM              VARSITY/JV

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26^TH           LE @ LC                  6PM-VARSITY         4PM-JV

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28^TH                      N. QUINCY @ LC   3:30PM-VARSITY   4PM-JV

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Soccer 2010

From left Victoria Thomadis, Christine Francois, Brianna Capone and Gabbi Galeazzi. Classical holds girls soccer banquet   The Classical High girls soccer team held its end-of-the season dinner Monday at the Prince restaurant in Saugus. Coach Keri Altieri recognized her four seniors: Victoria Thomadis, Christine Francois, Brianna Capone and Gabbi Galeazzi. Francois was also named the Most Valuable Player, Capone took home Offensive Player honors and Galeazzi, Most Improved.. Jessica Perez received the Coaches Award; Franki Galeazzi, top midfielder honors and Yasmin Badr, the Defensive Award. The Classical High girls soccer team captains for the 2011 season are, from left, Katie Cuozzo, Allison Kurpiel, Mackenzie Coppinger and Jennie Erekson.

Congratulations to our Girls Soccer All-Stars:

Gabriella Galeazzi, Christine Francois, Brianna Capone and Francesca Galeazzi

LCHS Girls Soccer Varsity

Name                               Grade                 #              Position

Gabbi Galeazzi                                     12                    33                    Mid

Christine Francois                                 12                    11                    Defense

Brianna Capone                                    12                    12                    Forward

Allison Kurpiel                                       11                    38                    Mid

Erin Walters                                         11                    36                    Forward

Stephanie Lopez                                   11                    5                      Defense

Kenzie Coppinger                                 11                    00                    Goalie

Katie Cuozzo                                       11                    16                    Defense

Jennie Erekson                                     11                    26                    Forward

Krista Cuozzo                                      9                      2                      Forward

Rebecca Potter                                     9                      18                    Forward

Francesca Galeazzi                               9                      35                    Forward

Kristin Lauria                                        9                      42                    Mid

Jessica Perez                                        9                      40                    Defense

Katherine Perez                                    9                      41                    Defense

Amy Blocksidge                                   10                    21                    Mid

Victoria Thomadis                                12                    29                    Mid

Chelsey Martin                                     10                    17                    Forward

Yasmin Badr                                        11                    15                    Defense

LCHS Girls Soccer J.V.

Name                                Grade       #               Position

Casey McNulty                         10                                             Goalie  

Ariel Banville                            9                      13                     Sweeper

Jillian Strileckis                         9                      11                     Stopper

Olivia DeJoie                            10                     10                     Right Defense

Carla Altema                            10                     17                     Left Defense

Ana Guajardo                           12                     16                     Center Mid

Ashley O'Leary                         9                      3                      Right Mid

Vania Aguliar                            12                     7                      Left Mid

Jessica Unubun                           9                      15                     Center Forward

Saffinatu Bangura                     11                     1                      Right Forward

Layhead Ly                              12                     6                      Left Forward

Makenzie Mackin                                              2                      Forward

Felicia Torres                            10                     19                     Forward

Esther Mawhinney                    10                     20                     Defense

Cynthia Oulett                           12                     5                      Mid

Jennifer Pineda                          11                     17                     Mid

Abu Johnson                             12                                             Mid

Ruth Ardon                               12                     8                      Forward

Esraa Ahmad                            12                     9                      Defense

Kristin Casey                            9                      18                     Defense                                   

Nichelle Cox                                                      4                

 Everett 2, Classical 0

At Everett, the Rams (2-15) came up short in their season finale. Erin Walters played well in the loss as did Katie Cuozzo on defense.

    

English's Mackenzie Clark, left, and Shannon Kidney and Classical's Brianna Capone pursue the ball at Manning Field Thursday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA) English girls defeat Classical, 2-0 By Art McManus / For The Item LYNN -- The last game of the year is always big for the Rams and the Bulldogs. Gifts and flowers are given to the seniors and then the game begins. Neither team had a season that qualified them for the tourney, but this game can make the season for the winning team. This year it was English taking home the win, 2-0, at Manning Field on Thursday.     All the scoring was done in the first half. In the 21st minute, Brianna Moreno opened up the scoring with two long through balls. First, Shawna Henry passed to Abbie Martocchio, who found Moreno breaking open up the middle. She hit Moreno with a pass and she was in alone on the keeper, Jessica Perez, from 25 yards out. When Perez made a move off the line, Moreno buried the ball in the corner. The second and final tally of the night was by Shawna Henry, who got a pass from Moreno and blasted the ball past the keeper from the top of the area. Classical had some good opportunities, especially by putting the ball down the left wing, where Jennie Erekson and Christine Francois were giving the English defenders all they could handle. The half ended Bulldogs 2, Rams 0. The second half had no scoring and the final score was English 2, Classical 0.

Saugus 5, Classical 0

At Manning Field, the Sachems jumped out to an early 2-0 lead and never looked back. Providing the offense for Saugus was Kaleigh Evans (2 goals), Jackie Russo (2 goals) and Emma Polamino (1 goal). Melissa Toomey had a strong game in net for Saugus (12-4-1). Emily Quinlan and Gabby Cogliano had strong performances for the Sachems. Classical coach Kerri Altieri was pleased with her team's performance.

"I feel my team played a solid game overall. You just have to give Saugus credit, they are a very good team and they showed that today," Altieri said.

Classical's Francesca Galeazzi (35), who scored the only goal of the game, dribbles between Everett's Armani Gomez, left, and Juliana Martins during Tuesday's game at Manning Field. The Rams won, 1-0. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

 Classical girls soccer wins

By Rich Tenorio / The Daily Item

Revere 5, Classical 2

At Revere, Marissa Parent had a hat trick and an assist for the Patriots (6-5-3). Samara Neves and Paola Ortez also got into the scoring act while Melissa Adreani took care of things in net. Marissa Verruto played well defensively for Revere.

The Rams got goals from freshmen Francesca Galeazzi and Krista Cuozzo. Galeazzi's was unassisted and Cuozzo's was assisted by Brianna Capone. The Rams trailed just 3-2 at halftime.

"It was very close in the first half," Rams coach Kerri Altieri said.

Jessica Perez made 11 saves for Classical.

Gloucester 2, Classical 0

At Manning Field, Rams coach Kerri Altieri had praise for her team despite the loss.

"All in all, the girls played well," she said. "Gloucester is a fast team with a quick offense. I think our defense held them off." However, she said, "We couldn't compete with their speed."

The coach praised three players on defense -- stopper Christine Francois, sweeper Yasmin Badr, and Katie Cuozzo. She was also pleased with the 15-save effort from goalie Jessica Perez, who normally plays defense but was filling in for starter MacKenzie Coppinger (sprained ankle) for the second time this season.

"She really pulled through," Altieri said. "Both (goals) were great shots that were way out of her reach."

Gloucester scored twice in the first half for the only goals of the game.

Winthrop 2, Classical 0

At Classical, the Vikings broke through in the second half. It was 0-0 at the half. Classical coach Kerri Altieri was happy with her team's performance.

"It was a very competitive game. My team played hard but just came up short,"

Altieri said.

The Rams' Frankie Galeazzi and Krista Cuozzo had strong performances.

Marblehead girls soccer tops Classical

By Art McManus / For The Item

LYNN -- The Marblehead girls soccer team picked up its first win of the season with a 3-1 decision over Classical at Manning Field on Tuesday.

Marblehead had been 0-4-1 going into Tuesday's game and faced a Rams team that was 1-7 at game time. Marblehead struck in the sixth minute. Haley Braun carried the ball down the right wing, beat the wing defender and crossed the ball on the ground to Emily Freedland, who had an open side and beat the Rams' keeper Casey McNulty. The sophomore has been filling in for the regular keeper, Mackenzie Coppinger, who injured her ankle in practice just before the English game and has yet to return.

McNulty made several nice saves, but in the 14th minute, the Magicians put their second goal on the scoreboard. Braun assisted on this goal with a beautiful through ball up the middle to a breaking Monica Thorne, who picked up the pass 10 yards outside the area, dribbled into the area and beat the keeper to the low left corner.

For the remainder of the half, Marblehead kept the Rams penned up in their own half of the field. In the first half, Marblehead keeper Cassie Rodgers had no saves while Classical's McNulty had six.

In the second half, Classical was attacking Marblehead all over the field and it paid off for Jennie Erekson. In the 48th minute, she was in the right spot at the right time when the Magicians keeper misplayed a shot. The ball bounced to Erekson, who placed the shot perfectly and it went in over the diving keeper to cut the score to 2-1.

The euphoria for the Rams wore off quickly as in the 54th minute, Freedland potted her second goal of the game with an assist to Kathryn DiGiammarino. Classical had the ball on its own end line and tried to clear it along the end line. DiGiammarino intercepted the clearing pass, and hit Freedland near the penalty spot with the pass. She had her back to the keeper, then spun and launched a blast that went in over the keeper's head. This made the score 3-1, Marblehead. After the final whistle, the Marblehead players were celebrating their first win of the season.

Marblehead coach Tracy DeLuca said, "We have been working very hard since the beginning of the season and it is now starting to pay off."

Marblehead's record goes to 1-4-1 and its next game is with Danvers.

Classical coach Kerri Altieri was upbeat despite the loss. She said, "We see some great improvement in the skill levels of our defenders. We make some great passes and carry the ball down the field and then it falls apart. They are getting much better. Mackenzie Coppinger, our keeper, has been out for quite a while. There are only two and a half weeks left in the season and she is still not game ready."

Classical d will play Winthrop at Manning Field on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Salem 5, Classical 2

English girls soccer coach Ed McNeil guided his team to a 4-3 victory over Classical at Manning Field on Monday. (ITEM FILE PHOTO)

English girls soccer rallies to defeat Classical

By Art McManus / For The Item

LYNN -- In a high-scoring matchup, the English girls soccer team defeated Classical, 4-3, at Manning Field on Monday.

This was a tale of two halves. Classical won the first half 3-0 ... but English won the second half 4-0. All seven goals were scored with the wind.

English had three starters out and Classical lost keeper Mackenzie Coppinger to an ankle sprain during practice. The Rams' JV keeper, Casey McNulty, was pressed into service and started her first varsity game.

"Casey McNulty played a valiant game in the goal," Rams coach Kerri Altieri said. "This was her first test under fire."

The offense for Classical in the first half could be said in two words: Brianna Capone. She had the natural hat trick -- three goals in a row.

"Brianna Capone had the game of her life," Altieri said. "She was outstanding."

She started in the 4th minute with an assist to Christine Francois. The second was at the 17th minute on a cross and tip-in with the assist going to Francesca Galeazzi. The third Capone goal was in the 39th minute on a cross from the right wing by Erin Walters. English had made some changes.

Coach Ed McNeil put all-league sweeper Shawna Henry into an attacking midfield slot and put Mackenzie Clark back at sweeper. He also took out keeper Lindsay Roy, who didn't feel well, and replaced her with Karissa Burton.

McNeil said, "I almost second-guessed myself by leaving Shawna Henry up front, but Mackenzie Clark was so good at sweeper that I played it out that way. This is a great win for us."

The second half was all English. The Bulldogs had the wind and with each goal they scored, their intensity grew by leaps and bounds. In the 53rd minute, Brianna Moreno beat McNulty in the Rams' net from a scramble in front. The assist went to Marnie Biondi.

Two minutes later, the Bulldogs cut the lead to one goal. Henry, the transplanted sweeper, scored on a long cross from Abbie Martocchio. They had to wait another nine minutes to tie up the game.

In the 64th minute, Moreno picked off an errant clearing pass and beat the Rams keeper to the right corner. With 16 minutes to go, English was hungry for the win and Classical was trying to hang on for the tie.

With eight minutes left, English was fouled about 35 yards from the Classical net. Martocchio fired the ball at the Classical net, and with the wind behind the shot, the ball went in over the keeper to give English the lead, 4-3. The game ended with no further scoring.

Saugus 5, Classical 0

At Saugus, the Sachems had a 2-0 lead at the half and never looked back.

Leading the way for Saugus (7-1-1) was Jackie Russo. Russo scored two goals. Saugus's Nicole Lynch, Gabby Cogliano and C.C Devine all chipped in with one goal each.

Ashley Firth and Kaley Dechristoforo had strong games on the defensive side. Melissa Toomey had a strong game in net (6 saves).

Classical had a strong team performance despite starting goalie Mackenzie Coppinger injured. Francesca Galeazzi and Jessica Perez played one half each in the place of Coppinger (12 saves each).

Also playing well for Classical was Jennie Erekson and Brianna Capone on the offensive side of the ball. .

Classical's Allison Kurpiel and Revere's Samara Nieves vie for the ball at Manning Field in Lynn Tuesday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)    In monsoon conditions, Revere girls defeat Classical 1-0   By Art McManus / For The Item LYNN -- Manning Field lived up to the weather conditions as advertised during Revere's 1-0 win over Classical in girls soccer on Tuesday. Classical, with only one win on its record as led by coach Kerri Altieri, had a great chance against a 2-2-1 Revere team coached by Natalie Lyons, who is in her fourth year at the helm of the Patriots. The rain, however, was a great equalizer for both teams. The ball doesn't do what you want it to do under such adverse conditions. The players can't cut like they are used to doing. The two keepers were the stars of the game. They are Melissa Adreani from Revere and Mackenzie Coppinger from Classical. They had to judge the spin on the ball as it was shot at the goal, as well as shots that hit the ground in front of the keeper and skip to either side. This doesn't take into consideration the ball misplayed by defenders, which makes the keeper involved in the play. For the first 25 minutes, the game was played between the areas with neither team gaining any advantage. In the 26th minute, Revere sophomore midfielder Marisa Parent intercepted an errant clearing pass about 35 yards from the Classical net. She snaked her way past three defenders and as Coppinger came off her line to play the shot, Parent put the ball in the low left corner. This made the score 1-0, Revere. The remainder of the half was played at midfield with neither team mounting any scoring chance. As the second half unfolded, Revere seemed to be gaining control of the midfield play and had some shots on the Classical net that the keeper was able to save. Classical's best chance to tie the game came in the 65th minute. Revere was called for a handball in the area that resulted in a penalty shot. Francesca Galeazzi took the shot. As she put her plant foot down to shoot with her right foot, the left foot seemed to slip a bit. This was enough to throw off her balance and the shot went directly at the keeper, who made the save. Classical's best chance to tie was gone. Revere played the final fifteen minutes with seven defenders. With three minutes to go, Classical kicked a ball into the area that Adreani came off her line to play and missed the ball. The Classical cross went over the end line for a goal kick. After the game, Lyons said, "Classical has improved this year. Except for a slip, this was a tie game." Altieri was disappointed with the loss. However, she said, "Christine Francois played very well as did Yasmin Badr on defense. Mackenzie Coppinger was outstanding in the net. She has been the backbone of the team all year."   The Rams travel to Saugus on Thursday to face the Sachems.

Gloucester 3, Classical 0

At Gloucester, senior Christine Francois anchored a strong defensive effort by the Rams (1-4). Krista Cuozzo and Brianna Capone had a couple of scoring opportunities, but nothing found the back of the net.

Winthrop 3, Classical 0

At Miller Field in Winthrop, the Rams (1-3, 0-1 NEC South) got a good game from defender Christine Francois, but had no answer for the Viking offense.

"It was a very tough game for us," Classical coach Kerri Altieri said. "They were stronger than us offensively and we had a difficult time fending off their offense."

Brianna Capone played well offensively for the Rams.
 

Salem 3, Classical 0

At Bertram Field, the game was scoreless at the break, but Salem broke through 2:20 into the second half on a Desiree DeLeon goal (Holbrook Phelan assist). Jasmine Bryant accounted for the other two Salem goals; the first came at 10:30 in the second half and the last with five minutes remaining. Leslie Baez and Lauren Schaejbe had assists.

"We put up a good fight, but their aggressiveness was the difference," Classical coach Kerri Altieri said. "They just overpowered us."

Classical goalie Mackenzie Coppinger had a busy afternoon with 22 saves. Altieri also cited the play of Christine Francois, Brianna Capone and Jennie Erekson.

Classical is 1-2, 0-1 Northeastern Conference.

Classical girls soccer gears up for season

By Matthew Roy / For The Item

There is an air of anticipation and excitement down at Hood Park this year for the Lynn Classical girls soccer team. After struggling through a couple of down seasons, the future and present look very bright for the Rams.

The excitement starts at the top with new head coach Kerri Altieri.

Altieri is quite familiar with most of her players, having taught many of her charges at Classical. She comes to the program after spending time as the head coach at Lynn Tech since 2005 when the girls soccer program was founded there.


 

 
Coach Kerri Altieri

         

"I've had many of these girls in class so it's exciting," Altieri said. "Our numbers are up so it's so far, so good."

Altieri had 40 girls, including 11 freshmen, come out to the first day of practice this week giving Classical something it hasn't had in a long time: depth of talent.

"I think we have the same number of seniors as freshmen," Altieri said. "And that's great. It will let us have a lot of kids coming up to help build the program. That's what we want to do."

Leading the way for Classical this season will be its three captains: Gabby Galeazzi, Brianna Capone and Christine Francois. Galeazzi and Capone have become talented offensive players while Francois is one of the top defenders in the Northeastern Conference and was the team's top defensive player last season.

"They are great players and team leaders," Altieri said. "They have done a fantastic job in our captain's practices getting the girls ready. As a coach, I can't ask for anything more."

Mackenzie Coppinger, fresh off starring for the Classical softball team last spring, will be in goal this season while Altieri will also look to get solid contributions from Erin Walters, Allison Kurpiel and Jennie Erekson.

Perhaps the one part of her team Altieri is most excited about is the talented freshman class.

"We had 11 of them turn out," Altieri said of her ninth graders. "And I really think they will help us build a good team."

Frankie Galeazzi (younger sister of Gabby), Krista Cuozzo (younger sister of Katie Cuozzo) and Rebecca Potter are three of those freshmen to look out for this season.

Classical will play in a revamped NEC this season as they will not have powerhouses Peabody and Danvers, both of whom are ranked in the state's top 25 entering the season, on the schedule. The Rams will still have a pair of games with rival Lynn English along with being paired with Marblehead, Revere, Salem, Winthrop and Gloucester in their part of the league.

"I think that we will be competitive this year," Altieri said. "I am really looking forward to seeing how things shake out."

Francois looking forward to a good season

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

Girl’s Varsity/JV Soccer Schedule Fall 2010

Tuesday, September 7^th  LC @ St. Mary’s  7pm  Manning (City Tourney)

Saturday, September 11^th   TBA (City Tourney @ Manning)

Tuesday, September 14^th   Salem @ LC  4pm  V-Manning  JV-Hood

Monday, September 20^th   LC @ Winthrop 4pm  bus 2:45pm

Wedn., September 22th    LC @ Gloucester 4pm  bus 2:30pm

Tuesday, September 28^th  Revere @ LC  4pm V-Manning  JV-Hood

Thursday, September 30^th LC @ Saugus  4pm  bus 3pm

Monday, October 4^th  LE @ LC  6pm   V-Manning  JV-Hood

Wedn., October 6^th     LC @ Salem  4pm  bus 2:45pm

Tuesday, October 12^th  Marblehead @ LC  3:30pm  JV-Hood 3:30pm

Thursday, October 14^th Winthrop @ LC  3:30pm     JV-Hood 3:30pm

Monday, October 18^th  Gloucester @ LC  V-7pm    JV-Hood 4pm

Wedn., October 20^th     LC @ Revere 4pm bus 2:45pm

Thursday, October 21^st Everett @ LC  V-4pm   JV-4pm Hood

Tuesday, October 26^th  Saugus @ LC V-5:15pm  JV-4pm Hood

Thursday, October 28^th LC @ LE  V-7pm  No JV Game

Friday, October 29^th  LC @ Everett  7pm   JV-TBA  bus: 5:45pm

NEC ALL-Star Game  Sunday, October 31^st  @ Manning  Time  TBA

The Classical High girls soccer team has a new coach

Kerri Altieri, a math teacher at the high school and the head girls coach at Lynn Tech since 2005, will take over for Marcy Durgin, who stepped down because she was moving to Chicago after getting married last December.

Altieri said going for the Classical job was a difficult decision because she had been with Tech for five years and felt the program had come a long way. When she took the Tech job in 2005, it was the first year of the program.

"We came a long way. My heart was with that team. To switch was a big decision," she said.

Altieri said being able to teach and coach at the same school was a big factor in her decision. This is her second year teaching at Classical. Prior to that, she taught at Tech for five years.

"It's much more challenging to coach at a school when you're not part of the school," she said. "I started teaching at Classical last year and have sort of become part of the Classical community."

Altieri grew up in Salem and graduated from Bishop Fenwick in 1991. Prior to teaching, she had worked in finance and marketing. She's been teaching for seven years.

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