Don’t sleep on Lady Raiders

Published in the September 7, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider soccer team returns to its 2018 season looking to take their game to another level this fall. And they will do it with a new head coach who will lead Melrose when they kick off their season this week.  

Robert Mahoney takes over the helm as the new head varsity coach. The first year varsity coach is excited to begin his run in the Middlesex League. Melrose opened this week on Wednesday against Lexington (post deadline) and will hit the road for two road games before hosting Woburn at Pine Banks Park on Sept. 13. 

“This is an exciting time,” says Mahoney, a Melrose Middle School teacher and Medford resident. “The Middlesex League is always tough but one thing is for certain: don’t sleep on Melrose soccer this year.” 

LILY CUNNINGHAM is among the players returning to the MHS Lady Raider soccer team, who kicks off their season this week. (file photo)

Mahoney, last year’s junior varsity boy’s coach MHS, cite’s the team’s high soccer I.Q. as a strength coming into the season. “These are seasoned soccer players who play the game the right away, and there is a great deal of versatility among them.” 

Indeed, the team is a healthy blend of upperclassmen and underclassmen, with 7 seniors and 5 sophomores and a few freshmen. According to the coach, all of them have the capability of starting time. 

Leading the team are senior captains Abby Cunningham, Lily Cunningham and Lizzy Perrella. Both Cunninghams (siblings) are three-sport athletes who bring a great deal of athleticism to the field. Abby is expected to see time as a midfielder while Lily will be a force to be reckoned with on defense. Expect Perrella to command the ball as a middle too. 

Strikers include returning players Sam Smith, Grace Donahue, Lauren Carlino and Kelsey Rowe. Expect to see Lily Cunningham, Julia Deeble, Jenna Champagne and Ava Palumbo, among others, on defense. 

A big advantage for Melrose is their returning keeper, senior Jill Stone, who brings a cool head and experience to the net. “She’s great, very athletic and tough-minded. We’re in good hands with her,” says Mahoney. Backing her up will be sophomore keeper Jocelyn Skane. 

So far, Melrose has seen success in their early efforts. Pre-season scrimmages came up in Melrose’s favor with victories over Quincy (4-3) and Waltham (4-0). And while they start off with some tough “large” teams in the Middlesex League, expect Melrose to give every rival a run for their money. 

“I think we are developing a style of play that will surprise people,” says Mahoney. “We’re fine-tuning defense and positions of attack, so we can execute most effectively. We’re excited for the season to start.” 

Melrose fans can see them up close on Wed. Sept. 13 at Pine Banks at 4:00 p.m.