LYNNFIELD — Let’s just say that Saturday was a very good one if you’re a fan of the Pioneers’ boys and girls soccer teams – and good defense.

Both teams advanced to the Division 4 Elite 8 with shutout victories in a doubleheader at blustery Pioneer Stadium.

The girls cruised to a 4-0 win over Leicester in the early game. The boys followed suit with a hard-fought, 2-0 win over Gardner a couple of hours later, but it was far from easy.

Gardner came into the game as the No. 15 seed, giving the No. 2 Pioneers the edge on paper. However, Gardner sported an undefeated 14-0-3 record and, considering its Final 4 appearance in the 2023 tournament, and the fact that the Wildcats had outscored opponents, 56-8, during the regular season, suffice it to say that this one had all the makings of a trap game.

But, thanks to a relentless effort from the Pioneers’ defensive unit, the Wildcats never really got their offense going.

“I thought our whole back line was good today,” said Lynnfield coach Brent Munroe, whose Pioneers captured the state title just a year ago. “Chris Calnan, Charlie Morgan, Nate Zalvan and Ben Clancy. Kelan (Cardinal) was rock solid and he’s always very good, so I can take nothing away from how important he is, but I thought it was the defense today. They kept [Gardner] from getting many shots off and, really, I thought our defense was huge today. That team has one player (Victor Tovar) who is a real threat, but our defense really contained him today.”

In just his second game back after an ankle injury and surgery that eliminated his regular season, Dillon Reilly spotted the Pioneers a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute, drilling a low shot off a feed from Matt Reinold inside the near post past Gardner goalie Tom Wyatt, who had only allowed eight goals in 17 games heading into Saturday. Reilly has now scored three of the Pioneers’ six goals in the tournament.

Munroe said getting on the board first was key.

“That was big, especially because we were against the wind,” he said. “This team was undefeated and wasn’t ranked that high and, I don’t know, they’re pretty good, so getting that first goal was huge for us. Matt Reinold was phenomenal today. He set up the first goal and probably set up another three or more that could have been goals. He was just phenomenal today. He was the Player of the Game and, after that, the defense.”

The score remained up for grabs until the waning minutes of the game when, with less than two minutes to go and the clock turned off, Joel Anthony worked his magic, finding Rocca Scenna who beat Wyatt on the far post to make it a 2-0 game and spoil the Wildcats’ hopes of keeping their undefeated record alive and moving on.

Munroe has always preached the importance of defense when it comes to tournament play.

“You can’t have success in any tournament unless you play tough defense,” he said. “You don’t see too many 4-3 games in the tournament.”

He credited the defensive unit for limiting the Wildcats’ scoring opportunities and for giving strong support to Cardinal, who picked up shutout win No. 14.

Cardinal made just four saves and wasn’t tested often, but was under more pressure in the second half when the Wildcats went on the attack and generated more chances, especially in the late stages.

“We played better in the first half, but I think their midfield was higher up in the second half and in the first half, were pinned back a little,” Munroe said. “I don’t know if that’s their style, but once they got behind, they played better. But still, it was all about the defense today and our defense just played tough.”

Munroe also highlighted the play of defensive midfielder Mohammed Ayari.

“He’s played well all year and played great in our first game,” Munroe said. “He’s come a long way and is a big part of our defense, to be honest with you, because he’s right in front of our back line.”

Gardner coach Dan Forte said, “We just didn’t finish our chances.

“It’s about us, but Lynnfield played a good game. We knew they would. It was no surprise,” Forte said. “Obviously, I’m proud of my seniors. Wyatt, in net, had a great game. They all played hard.”

Lynnfield advanced to the Elite 8 for a second consecutive year. The Pioneers will play No. 7 Hampshire Regional at home (TBD). Hampshire Regional defeated No. 10 Rockland, 3-1, in the Sweet 16 Saturday.

“I don’t know much about them, but will be watching film,” Munroe said.