SAM GOC beats a Melrose defender during Wakefield’s road victory this week at Pine Banks Park. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
MELROSE — The Wakefield High girls’ soccer team traveled to Pine Banks Park on Wednesday for the biggest game of their season so far: a rivalry rematch against Melrose.
Melrose beat Wakefield 2-1 back on Sept. 11. At the time, it was Wakefield’s fourth consecutive loss.
Wakefield’s progress since then was on full display Wednesday as they got out to an early lead, added to it in the second half and earned their most impressive victory of 2024 so far, improving to 4-6-2 on the season.
“We’re a team with a lot of potential we just have to go and execute and we feel like, as we’re getting closer to full health, that things are really beginning to click for us,” said head coach Nico Manganiello.
Full strength for Wakefield included the return of leading goal-scorer and senior captain Aliza Margolis, who scored Wakefield’s second goal on a one-timer in front off a perfect cross from freshman Teaghan Johnson. That made it 2-0 about 15 minutes into the second half.
“We had a lot of good performances but particularly getting Aliza Margolis back from injury and into the lineup was huge for us,” said Manganiello. “She’s easily one of the best players in the league, if not the best and she delivered an important goal for us.”
Wakefield’s first tally was also scored by a senior captain as Rachel Caplin got the Warriors on the board by finishing a cross from senior captain Shea Suntken.
“Shea put a good ball into a dangerous area and it found its way to Rachel who was in perfect position to knock it home,” said Manganiello.
That certainly set the tone for the visitors and allowed them to focus on defending, which they did at an expert level for a full 80 minutes.
The back line of senior captains Abby Myette and Megan Clark, freshman Laurel Renzi and sophomore Ella Medeiros worked hard all game and put forward another impressive outing.
“Our back line was really solid again and in particular I thought Abby Myette had a great game,” said Manganiello. “She’s been in a spectacular run of form as of late.”
Wakefield’s midfielders played well too, especially senior Kayla Hurley who seemed to win every 50/50 ball in the first half.
Melrose was on the front foot early in the second half as they pushed for the equalizer. Senior Emma Waldeck was up to the task in net. She made at least four, top-notch saves, her first of the second half was on a breakaway, robbing Melrose from tying the game and giving the Warriors momentum that Margolis capitalized on to make it 2-0.
“The MVP of this game was Emma Waldeck,” said Manganiello. “She was lights out to earn the shutout. She was confident and calm coming off her line to make some huge plays for us.”
On the Margolis goal, Johnson dribbled through contact and stayed on her feet before delivering a cross with some pace that Margolis was ready for, timing it perfectly and burying it where the goalie had no chance.
Waldeck and the defense took it from there as the Warriors earned a win that will no doubt improve their next power rankings. Before the game, Wakefield was ranked No. 27 in Div. 2 while Melrose was ranked No. 24.
The Warriors have put themselves in a good position to accomplish their goal of making the state tournament, especially as they get ready to play four more Freedom Division teams, three of which they have already defeated this year.
“In terms of our push for the playoffs, the message has been for us to focus on the details and continue to do the right things,” said Manganiello. “We’re very much in control of our own destiny here so it’s on us to take it game by game and get the job done.”
Wakefield travels to Stoneham on Monday at 4:15 p.m.
