Magicians end Raider soccer’s post season run, 3-0
Published in the November 11, 2016 edition
THE MELROSE Red Raider soccer team’s historic season ended in a 3-0 loss to Marblehead on Sunday, Nov. 6 in the D3N quarterfinal playoff. Pictured is Melrose’s Owen Thorsteinsson. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MARBLEHEAD — The Melrose High Red Raider soccer team saw their historic season come to an end on Sunday, Nov. 6 at Piper field in Marblehead after a 3-0 Div. 3 quarterfinal playoff loss in against seeded #6 seed Marblehead (12-6).
Melrose (10-7-1) kept it a scoreless first half, throwing Marblehead off guard with their physical play until the Magicians struck back in the second half with three unanswered goals. It started with a shot from Mike Conlon, followed by Lukas Koppermann and Mack Fisher.
The first half of the game saw two teams in an aggressive contest with equal possession time. Melrose had three opportunities to score at the net, including twelve minutes into the game when Owen Thorsteinsson fed the ball to senior Nick Cordeau, who took a shot blocked by Marblehead keeper Joe Ferrucci. Melrose keeper Jared Dowell kept a first half shutout by fending off a shot from Augie Groppa Venzal 29 minutes into the contest.
However, a newly energized Magician team returned from the half ready to turn things around. The trio of shots did just that and ended Melrose’s playoff run. The Red Raiders finish their season at 10-7-1 (12-7-1 overall) and with the distinction of earning Melrose’s first ever Middlesex League title. At press time Marblehead was scheduled to play #1 seed Burke on Thursday.
