Defense comes up big in 0-0 Burlington tie
Published in the October 21, 2016 edition
PERI MACDONALD has shown great promise for the MHS girls’ soccer team. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — For the Melrose High girls’ soccer team, hosting the Burlington Red Devils can always bring the unexpected. While normally competitive, Burlington is a league foe whom Melrose has seen success against, and their similarities as teams showed itself on Tuesday at Pine Banks Park, when the two teams fought to a 0-0 draw.
The game was a rather exceptional one for Melrose keeper Shannon Jones, who fended off a flurry of Red Devil shots over the day, along with Melrose defense who neutralized Burlington attacks over the afternoon.
According to head coach Bill DeSimone, it was their best effort so far this year. “It was definitely our best game this season. Our goalie, Shannon Jones, had her second shutout of the season, our defense was really great. Anne Morrison, Chloe Halligan, Peri MacDonald, they all had great games.”
While it may not have translated into a win, the very young team hopes this effort sparks a winning streak as they ride out the rest of their season against a schedule that can be considered fairly beatable. “In terms of offense, I’d like to see our younger players in particular, become a little more poised at the net. Put the ball on the frame and see what happens. This will come and I’m looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, the coach couldn’t be more proud of his upperclass leaders, including Shannon Jones at the net. “This was her best game of the year. She was big for us and is always a leader on this team.”
He also extends that admiration to Anne Morrison. “She’s an All League player, one of the best in Eastern Mass., a great defender in this league.”
Still, a scoreless draw is an improvement against their last outing with the Red Devils (a 3-0 loss) and DeSimone also credits some under-the-radar performances from newbies Julia Deeble and Chloe Halligan, both both freshmen who performed strongly against Burlington on defense. “They’re exciting players and it was good to see them in the mix playing well.”
And despite some tough losses against M.L. Large teams like Woburn and Winchester, DeSimone is optimistic about their effort. “In those games we played very competitive until halftime. The seeds are there. It makes me optimistic for the future. This is a young team with so much potential.” One of those players include Kiera Sixsmith who scored Melrose’s lone goal against Wilmington on Oct. 13.
It’s his seniors, meanwhile, whom he hopes will take benefit of the last few weeks of play. “This is their time. We hope to pick up some wins for them to finish the season.”
That includes senior captains Shannon Jones, Anne Morrison, Erin Reardon and Caroline McDermott and fellow seniors Tess Castergene and Colleen Denning; all of whom contributed to the team’s success, including their playoff appearance last season. Says DeSimone, “Anne is a shutdown defender, Tess played outstanding against Burlington tonight, Shannon is our consistent experienced player, Erin and Caroline can always be relied on and Colleen Denning is the one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached.”
Melrose will honor their seniors on Oct. 27 against Stoneham under the lights of Fred Green Field. Says their coach, “This whole group has been a privilege to work with. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
Remaining schedule
Thu. 10/20 @ Wakefield, 6:15
Sat. 10/22 @ Malden, 12 (Pine Banks)
Mon. 10/24 @ Watertown, 3:45
Thu. 10/27 vs. Stoneham (Fred Green) Senior Night, 7:30
