Defense-minded Melrose shuts out Woburn 2-0
By JENNIFER GENTILE
WOBURN—The Melrose High boys soccer team earned their first win of the season against the Woburn Tanners in a 2-0 shutout on the road in Woburn on Tuesday that puts them 1-1 on the season.
“This was a good Woburn team,” says Melrose head coach Dean Serino after the game. “One of the best we’ve played in a while. We just played total soccer and our backs all did fantastic. So did Jay Vogan at the net.”
In two games, Melrose has only given up one goal thanks to the efforts of new goalie Jay Vogan and the Melrose defense, whose work included Matt Whelan, Niall Gavin and Max Farmelant.
Liam Parker, Joey Beshel and Parker Thorton led an offense that helped Melrose take an early 1-0 lead going into the half thanks for a goal from sophomore Amir Lahkiky with an assist by Liam Gavin.
Melrose’s second goal came in the half when senior captain Parker Thorton found the net on an assist by junior Ian Smith. “Once we scored that second goal I think we relaxed a bit and took total control of the game,” says Serino. “We’re led by a great mix of seniors who show their experience out there, plus aggressive underclassmen. Together, they play smart ball.”
Melrose opened the season in a 1-0 loss against Arlington last week. It was a hard fought, evenly-matched game and Melrose only allowed one goal in the last five minutes of the game. They were also faced with a Div. 1 Colgate recruit in Arlington’s keeper. Says Serino, “We’ve only given up one goal in two games so that’s something we’re proud of. Arlington was a really tough team, but I thought we’ve countered well in both games. We have Belmont this week and I look forward to seeing this team progress.”
Melrose will host Belmont on Friday at the West Knoll at 5:30 p.m., hoping to embark on a winning streak.
