Shawsheen’s Tom Severo earns his 400th soccer win

BILLERICA – With 10 of the 16 team members being seniors, it was only fitting that the upperclassmen stepped up as Shawsheen Tech gave Coach Tom Severo his 400th career win Tuesday night.

Three different seniors scored as the Rams claimed the Commonwealth Athletic Conference title over Essex Tech, 3-0, on senior night. The Rams avenged their only loss to the Hawks last Monday, 3-1.

“I’m humbled and honored tonight, but I don’t want to take away from the real accomplishment tonight – we are league champs,” said Severo after the win before celebrating with his family.

Severo earned 342 of the victories over 30 years as coach for Billerica girls soccer before his seven-year tenure as the Rams coach, where he added the next 58.

“I’ve been blessed in having an abundance of talented student-athletes who all work together and dedicate to themselves to work together to have successful teams,” Severo said about what it took to get to 400 victories.

After Essex Tech owned the first 10 minutes with a 4-0 shot advantage, Shawsheen (8-1-1) took over with a goal from senior captain Billy Hartshorn off a corner kick in the waning minutes of the first quarter.

“It makes me feel great,” said Hartshorn about scoring the eventual game-winner. “He has deserved all the credit. He has taught us so much in how we win and everything.”

The Rams added two more in less than a minute in the second quarter. First, senior James Genetti chipped it from within the box to make it 2-0 in the 31st minute. Senior Tyler Archibald took advantage of the aggressive play of the Essex Tech (8-3-2) goalie and floated a shot from about 20 yards out into the back of the net to build a 3-0 lead at the half.

“It was basically on these seniors and they came through the entire way,” said Severo. “It’s a credit to them.”

The defense settled in after the first 10 minutes as senior Tyler Newhouse notched 14 saves for the shutout, including five in the first quarter. Senior Adam Kearns did not see a shot on goal in the final 10 minutes of action.

“We went with Tyler because I knew who wouldn’t make any mistakes this game,” Severo said. “We knew it was a big game. Usually we have been splitting (Tyler and Adam) half and half because they are two seniors and are great kids. I’m blessed to continue my career with great people. I’m a better person for having these kids.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2GSRAKq