The Rochester Mayo boys soccer team was "baptized in fire" in a season-opening 5-0 loss to visiting Lakeville North on Thursday.
Mayo coach Charles Abboud said the youthful Spartans were overmatched by a Lakeville North team made up of more senior skilled athletes who "appear to be the class of Section One."
Abboud said that two errors by the Spartans in the first half were instrumental in North building a 3-0 lead by halftime. Two goals came in the second half, one on a penalty kick.
"Despite a gritty performance in the second half, we were outclassed skill-wise," Abboud said. "Yet there were some promising aspects," he added.
Abboud said Mayo junior goalie Liam Claton was "outstanding" and he noted the play of seniors Mohamed Adan and Simon Kennel on defense, junior midfielde Alex Doppler, and striker John Pittock.
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Lakeville North 5, Mayo 0
Lakeville North#3#2#—#5
Mayo#0#0#—#0
Lakeville North: Olaf Morkelberg 3 goals. Goalie:Nick Hartshorn 3 saves.
Mayo: Goalie:Liam Claton 11 saves.
