3-3 tie has Melrose & Burlington awaiting round 2

Published in the October 5, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider soccer team finished with a 3-3 tie against a competitive Burlington team on Sept. 27 at Pine Banks in Melrose, improving to 2-3-3 on the season with seven points towards playoff qualification.

The two teams had battled to a scoreless draw at the half, thanks to fantastic defensive coverage by Tarekegn ONeil and Anthony Bilbilian. After the half came a flurry of scoring, six goals on both sides of the ball, three from Red Raiders: Miguel Contreras with two goals and one from John Lecomte. Melrose held a 3-2 lead going into the final minutes of the game until Burlington found the net to even it up. 

“It was kind of a weird game,” said Melrose coach Dean Serino. “We came to life after the first half offensively and then it became a real game in terms of scoring, just a back and forth effort.” 

Miguel Contreras remains Melrose’s primary attacker and his two goals were impressive against the Red Devils. “Miguel is incredible,” says Serino. “This kid will play college ball. His speed and athleticism and touch on the ball is great. He always puts pressure on his opponents.”

Sophomore John Lecomte ultimately scored the equalizer for Melrose. Serino notes that he is a player to watch. “He’s a player with a bright future.”

Defensively, Melrose has relied on stellar work from sophomore Tarekegn O’Neill. “He plays amazing,” says the coach. “He just shuts down any opposition, is an excellent passer and always wins balls.” 

That also goes for senior Anthony Bilbilian, who was also impressive against the Red Devils. Says Serino, “Anthony has been huge for us and is always strong. He makes such a difference out there.” 

Melrose has hit a setback this season as senior keeper Mike Tormo is out for the season with a shoulder injury, which required the work of backup goalie Liam Talbot, who also recently fell to injury. That requires the work of senior Ethan Peete, a forward, to assume goalie duty. The seasoned upperclassman has more than held his own, especially in an admirable effort versus Wakefield on Sept. 25 when Melrose battled to a 1-1 tie. 

“Ethan is doing really well,” says Serino. “He’s a tremendous athlete and has been helping us a ton.”

With the first half of the season behind them, the Red Raiders are looking forward to generating more wins. But now that this young team has gotten their cleats wet, so to speak, Melrose coach Dean Serino sees a clearer path to victory. 

“There is parity in our league. Anyone can beat anyone any given day, and that includes us. Being a younger team, I think we have those early games behind us and a better sense of where we belong in the league. That said, our seniors have been excellent. They provide excellent leadership and have great character.” 

Overall, this is a group of athletes that Serino feels can great things. “They have great instincts and the chemistry is there. I tell them when we are down to own it, and rally. And it works. They are relentlessly optimistic.” 

Melrose will travel to Reading on Friday to face the Rockets at 4:00 p.m.