The Chelsea High School girls soccer team has something worth celebrating: a place in the state tournament.

And the result that secured it was anything but ordinary.

A dramatic 2–2 tie against Lynn Classical gave the Lady Red Devils the point they needed to qualify for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) postseason tournament.

After a season of competitive matches, close results, and determined performances, Chelsea had accomplished an important goal.

A Match That Went Down to the Wire

Chelsea started strong against Lynn Classical.

In the 20th minute, Kim Contreras scored off an assist from Genesis Monteagudo, giving the Lady Red Devils an early 1–0 lead.

Lynn Classical responded with a powerful shot from approximately 25 yards out, tying the match before halftime.

The second half brought even more drama.

With about 10 minutes remaining, Chelsea's Evelyn Meza sent a cross into the penalty area that struck a defender's hand.

The referee awarded a penalty kick.

Chelsea captain Katherine Benitez stepped forward and converted the opportunity, putting the Lady Red Devils ahead 2–1.

For a few minutes, victory appeared within reach.

But Lynn Classical earned a penalty kick of its own with roughly two minutes remaining and scored to tie the game.

The match ended 2–2.

Chelsea didn't get the win, but it earned the result that mattered most.

According to the Chelsea Record's October 29 game report, the draw ensured the team had reached the record needed to qualify for the state tournament.

A Season Built on Teamwork

The achievement followed several encouraging performances by head coach Randy Grajal's team.

Earlier in October, Chelsea bounced back from a difficult loss to Medford by defeating Gloucester 2–1.

Sophomore Edlyn Hernandez Enriquez scored both Chelsea goals, with captain Katherine Benitez assisting on each.

The Lady Red Devils followed that victory with a 2–0 shutout against East Boston.

That match was especially meaningful because it was Senior Day, when the team recognized ten graduating players for their dedication to the program.

Hernandez Enriquez and Benitez scored in the victory, helping Chelsea move closer to postseason qualification.

The October 22 Chelsea Record recap described how the team responded to adversity and worked to regain its confidence.

Those victories helped set up the decisive result against Lynn Classical.

The Work Continues

Qualifying for the state tournament doesn't mean the team has finished its season.

Following the Lynn Classical match, Chelsea faced a strong O'Bryant High School team in Roxbury and lost 1–0.

Despite the defeat, the Lady Red Devils remained state-tournament qualifiers.

Chelsea entered the inaugural Greater Boston League Cup as the championship bracket's third seed. The Lady Red Devils faced second-seeded Medford on October 27 and lost 5–0, according to The Mass Pitch's Chelsea results.

The GBL Cup gives the league's top four teams a separate chance to compete for a championship before the state tournament.

Following the October 27 Medford match, Chelsea's record stood at 7 wins, 5 losses, and 4 ties. The team was scheduled to close its regular season against Northeast Metro Regional on October 30.

What Happens Next?

Chelsea will compete in the MIAA Division 2 state tournament, with its seeding and opening opponent determined after the regular season.

According to the MIAA's official 2026 tournament schedule, girls soccer brackets are scheduled for release on Thursday, November 5, at 1 p.m.

Families, students, and supporters can follow the MIAA tournament brackets for updated matchups and information.

For Chelsea High, the postseason berth recognizes the work the players and coaching staff have put into their season.

The Lady Red Devils have battled through setbacks, celebrated important victories, and earned an opportunity to represent Chelsea on the statewide stage.

Whatever the tournament brings, that's an accomplishment the team and community can be proud of.