Shutout over Watertown, 7-0, among highlights
Published in the October 26, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose girls soccer team is coming off a successful week that included a 7-0 shutout over Watertown on Senior Night on Friday, Oct. 19 and a tie against Wakefield on Monday. Melrose hopes to take more Freedom League wins as they finish their season against Burlington and Wilmington this week.
Their win against Watertown was the perfect pairing for Senior Night, as Melrose celebrated their graduating seniors: Maggie O’Donnell, Gabbie Merullo, captain Abby Cunningham, captain Lily Cunningham, Kelsey Row, Samantha Smith, Captain Lizzie Perella and Jill Stone.
Melrose enjoyed an onslaught of scoring in the game, starting with Lily Cunningham, who led with 2 goals, her second on an assist by Ciara Smith. Also scoring were Jenna Champagne (Katie Wright assist), Grace Donahue (Lauren Carlino assist), Alyssa Champagne (Serena DeBari assist) Lizzy Perella (Sam Smith assist) and Andrea Mortimer.
SENIORS WERE honored on Friday October 19 under the lights at Fred Green Field. Pictured front row (l to r) Maggie O’Donnell, Gabbie Merullo, Captain Abby Cunningham, Captain Lily Cunningham, Kelsey Row, Samantha Smith, Captain Lizzie Perella, and Jill Stone. Back row (l to r) Joe & Cindy O’Donnell, Chris & Christy Merullo, Melissa & Rob Cunningham, Mark & Karen Rowe, Aevary & Kevin Smith, John & Andrea Perella, Lisa & Don Stone.
Earning the shutout at the net was senior Jill Stone.
Melrose head coach Rob Mahoney noted that Melrose came into the game motivated. “It was obviously an emotional night recognizing our seniors and all that they’ve given to the program,” he says. “From the opening kickoff the girls were ready to play.”
Melrose controlled possession in the start of the game and Lily Cunningham capitalized on that when she scored fifteen minutes into the first half. Melrose scored their second goal off a corner kick, then two goals in a 30 second span to break the game open. Melrose entered halftime score 5-0 at the half.
Jill Stone had a flawless performance at the net and benefitted from great Melrose defense. “She didn’t have to make many saves, but was a calming presence at the back by communicating and distributing the ball well when she had to,” says her coach.
Melrose relied on quality defense from Ava Palumbo, Jenna Champagne, Abby Cunningham, and Julia Deeble, while Mahoney points out that newcomer Ella Fleming earned her first varsity minutes and played well at left back.
Fueled by the win, Melrose traveled to Wakefield and battled to a 1-1 draw against a competitive Warrior team. It was a real battle in the first half, with Melrose finding scoring opportunities, including multiple corner kicks that were cleared off the line by Wakefield defenders. “We had several other opportunities that we didn’t capitalize on that came back to haunt us,” says Mahoney.
After a scoreless first half, Wakefield freshman Ashley Purcell scored five minutes after halftime, giving them a 1-0 lead. Melrose’s Katie Wright saved Melrose from a loss when she scored the tying goal in the final minute of the game off of a pass from Maggie Sullivan. The result was a final 1-1 draw.
And while playoffs is not in the cards for the Lady Raiders, Melrose looks to end the season on a winning note, particularly for their seniors. “Our team’s goals are to go over .500 in the last five games, score at least 10 goals (currently at 9) and possess the ball more than our opponent, which we’ve done in two of our three games,” says Mahoney.
He feels that scoring and maintaining possession will be a large focus as they prepare for next season. One thing is for sure: he’s working with a motivated group. “The girls are dedicated and give it everything they have during every game. Me and coach Jenna Duncan identify our points of pride—what the girls did well—as well as our opportunities for growth. It’s fast-paced, draining season, and it would be easy to take a day off here or there, but the girls always come in ready to work and give it their all.”
The Lady Raiders were pleased to see support shown by fans during Senior Night Celebration at Fred Green field. “The fans were awesome, and the girls really enjoyed playing in front of a large and engaged crowd,” says the coach. “We thank them.”
Melrose’s last two games are at home at Pine Banks, and they are looking for the same level of support. Melrose hosts Burlington on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and they finish up the season against Wilmington on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
