MHS teams anxious to play, but with new rules
Published September 25, 2020
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The landscape of high school soccer is going to look quite different this fall. Now given the green light to conduct fall seasons, both Melrose High varsity soccer teams are hitting the field this week to conduct tryouts and practices in anticipation of their season openers on October 3.
Yet it’s going to look entirely different this season, thanks to rules and modifications issued by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). Think face masks and ball sanitizing, plus no handshakes or timeouts. But, it also means some fundamental changes to the game that will alter how the kids play. Right now, it’s anyone’s guess how the season will play out, and whether or not these soccer games will end up lopsided, stalemated or riddled with yellow cards because of new changes. Certainly, these teams are glad to be playing, though.
Melrose High girls soccer coach Rob Mahoney anticipates a wildly different version of soccer. “Some of the rules will take getting used to, and certainly we’re seeing the adjustments being played out during pre-season and tryouts,” he acknowledges.
Here is a recap of the modifications: Corner kicks must be on the ground and can’t go right into the box. Intentional head balls will be considered violations that result in indirect free kicks. There will be no body contact among players (with the exception of minor, foot to ball contact) no shoulder-to-shoulder tackling, and any attempt to slide tackle is a violation that will also result in an indirect kick. Yellow cards will be issued for any persistent infringement. There will be no throw-ins and all indirect kicks, including corner kicks, must be played on the ground, except for a goal kick. The use of a traditional defensive “wall” is not allowed on any restart. Instead, players may attempt to impede the path of the ball to the goal by standing in the way, but they must be at least 10 yards away from the ball and at least 6 feet away from other players. Players are restricted from approaching officials. If a player steps in the direction of an official they will be given a yellow card. If a player comes within 6 feet of an official to complain or argue, a red card will be issued.
Certainly, game officials will have their hands full, and it will be interesting to see how quickly they call these violations, which could make or break any game. But that’s a challenge coach Mahoney and his team are up for. “Not being able to head a ball is a certain pet peeve already with this squad,” he says. “And not being able to touch an opponent with hands takes some adjustment, but overall it’s better to play in this fashion than to not play at all. If we’re playing, we’re happy.”
When distanced about 10 feet, athletes can have a mask break, which will be welcome in the heat. Another change: the game will also be played in four, 20-minute quarters. This season, Melrose will play each Freedom League division opponent twice in a row during a span of two weeks, just to help narrow down a contact tracing window should any COVID-19 issues arise.
One strong factor for Melrose is that this year they return over a dozen starters from last season, which bodes well for how they will compete in the league. That includes captains Jenna Champagne, Grace Donahue and Jocelyn Skane. They will also rely on upperclassmen Ava Palumbo, Andrea Mortimer, Alyssa Champagne, Haley Smith, Ella Flemming, Randi Sullivan and Clark-commit Andrea Mortimer. Underclassmen Lucy Hannon, Sheila Downes, Jenna McGuire and Katherine Carney are also expected to see time. There are also 18 freshmen vying for a spot on their three teams, so the future looks great.
Goalie Jocelyn Skane returns, which instantly puts Melrose at an advantage, though Mahoney is also fielding others goalies during pre-season too.
Around the league, look for teams like Stoneham and Wilmington to continue their strong tradition, though Stoneham lost two major seniors who helped lead the Spartans to a Div. 3 final last season. Not having to play Middlesex Large teams like Belmont, Arlington or Lexington is certainly a switch for Melrose, and it’s one that could improve their chances of a long-sought-after league title.
Confirms Mahoney, “It’s going to be an unusual season but we return with a core to work with and will be ready to play.”
Boys Soccer could have “it” factor this season
Melrose head coach Dean Serino returns close to fifteen seniors this season who are battle-ready and experienced. They also had anticipated a fall 2020 season that may have led them to long playoff run. Just last year, Melrose was a team to beat in the league and had advanced to the playoffs after a winning season. But this year, the MIAA ruled not to extend the fall season into playoffs, so Melrose will compete in ten games that will culminate in a Freedom League champ. Expect Melrose to be a top contender.
Returning as senior captains are Tommy Bergin, John Lecompte, Jack O’Hara and Tarekegn O’Neill, who have all competed under coach Serino for 3-4 seasons. They join seniors Cam McDonough, Sohaib Driff, Jacobus Overgaag, Dan Oteri, Seamus Matthews, Christian Carrieri and Hooper Ward as players who hoping to go out on top this fall. Expect underclassmen Liam O’Hara, Parker Thorton, Matt Whelan, Russ O’Donnell and Oseffa Thome to be in the mix, among others.
“This is a bittersweet season for this team,” says Serino. “We have mixed feelings. This is a competitive group that wants to win and are coming in playoff-ready. They consider this their year. They’re sensational kids who’ve grown up together and are such a resilient bunch who will roll with it, put it all together and compete to win.”
The MIAA modifications (outlined above) remain just as challenging for Serino’s team, who are physical and use frequent head play, which is off limits. “No headers during the game is hard,” says the coach. “We’re a team that is good in the air, like Christian [Carrieri] who is as physical as they come. This is going to change the game but we will work around it and adjust.”
Not that he, or anyone on the team, is complaining. With other teams like football, volleyball and swim having to sit it out this fall, being able to compete for their school is a great opportunity. Says the coach, “These are difficult times, we are grateful for a chance to play. We want to thank everyone who helped us get in a season, most especially the parents of this team who have worked so hard us.”
Tentative Schedule
Varsity soccer (game times, location TBD)
Sat. 10/3 Melrose @ Stoneham
Sat. 10/10 Melrose v. Stoneham
Mon. 10/12 Melrose v. Watertown
Sat. 10/17 Melrose @ Watertown
Sat. 10/24 Melrose @ Wakefield
Sat. 10/31 Melrose v. Wakefield
Sat. 11/7 Melrose v. Burlington
Wed. 11/11 Melrose @ Burlington
Sat. 11/14 Melrose v. Wilmington
Sat. 11/21 Melrose @ Wilmington
