Heat of the schedule coming up for 6-0 Melrose
Published May 28, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s lacrosse team continues their undefeated season after a series of wins over Wilmington that puts them 6-0 on the season. As they reach the pinnacle of their season, Melrose has experienced a bit of inequity when it comes to competition level, but that will soon change with the Middlesex League tournament on the horizon, when the Red Raiders are expected to face playoff-ready competition.
Melrose has outscored opponents 112-13 this season, an eye-popping number, but Melrose head coach Matt James is quick to point out out that it has been against schools struggling to win. “Of course, we want to have games where we only allow one goal or two and this early schedule has afforded that. This will change when we compete against teams like Burlington and then enter league play. We’re easing into the more challenging part of the schedule.”
It’s been an opportunity for new players and underclassmen to get a chance to learn the system. “This has been a great chance to give kids experience and minutes,” says James. “Any flaws are better off showing themselves now than later down the stretch when it could make the difference between a win and loss.”
Defense, meanwhile, remains Melrose’s strength. “Ryan Maher, Will Brandon and Jake Rowe are a great core of defenders who know how to dictate the pace of the game,” says James. “They know when to ramp it up, and be dominant, and when play more conservatively.”
Senior goalie Frank Capaldo is relishing in his role at the net. Says James, “In our games against Wilmington there were limited shots at net but Frank made a few really good saves. He does a great job of staying focused.”
Melrose continues to be led in scoring by Liam Maher (17 goals) and Matt Dussault (15 goals). Recent competition has seen great play from Stephen Fogarty, who is mastering ground balls and adding to goals.
Melrose will see how they fare in the ML Freedom League when they take up their next two opponents: Burlington (5-1) and Wakefield (5-1). They will play a pair of games against each in the coming week before the ML12 tourney commences in early June. Both Wakefield and Burlington are competitive teams whose only losses are to each other; thus, Melrose will need to be ready.
“Obviously our goal is to win the league and better yet, finish unbeaten,” says James. “But we’re most anxious to get our hands on Middlesex Large teams like Reading and Winchester. The boys can’t hardly wait to face them. Even if our season runs late, there’s not one complaint on this team. Not one player is looking at the clock. They’ll play into July if they have to. They’re in it for the long haul.”
Melrose will host Burlington on Wednesday (post deadline) before traveling to Burlington on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Check out Melrose’s final regular season home game on Monday, June 7 at Fred Green Field.
