Red Raiders aiming for another shot at league title
Published September 13, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High Red Raider soccer team is looking forward to another tournament-qualifying season in 2019. They started their season off on the right note with a 4-0 shutout over Woburn at home on Tuesday.
Scoring for Melrose was Terakegn O’Neill (two goals, assisted by Fillipo Del Negro), Parker Thornton (assisted by Seamus Matthews) and Seamus Matthews (assisted by Matt Whelan).
It was a great win for Melrose, who has won the Middlesex Freedom league two of their last three years and qualified for playoffs during their last three seasons. Thus, they remain in an upward trajectory. Look for this team to have their eye on the prize once more this year.
They return with captains Rob Wiesen, Tarekegn O’Neill and Cam Rosnov. The three will be counted on to deliver a winning season for Melrose, who put together a playoff campaign last year in the Div. 2 North, falling only to state champ Wayland in a 1-0 nail biter.
THE 2019 MHS Red Raider soccer team prior to Tuesday’s win over Woburn. (courtesy photo)
Melrose coach Dean Serino has faith in his upper-class leaders. “We have a strong senior class and a deep roster with good numbers this year. We have a lot of scoring options.”
Look for Wiesen to command the ball. “Rob is a great player and really can hit the ball. He had our only goal in our game against Arlington.” O’Neill is a middle attacker and a difference-maker. “Tarekegn is very talented on both sides of the ball,” says his coach. And Rosnov brings a winning mindset to the field. “Cam is a great stopper and closes the door. He’s a player with great instincts.”
Offensively, look for underclassmen Fiorio Forcini and Filippo Del Negro to prove potent on the field. “These are tough, smart players,” says Serino, who will also count on John Lecompte and Parker Thorton to find the net.
Look for Tommy Bergin and Jack O’Hara to be vital components on defense and Redouane Drif to see time in the middle. Liam O’Hara is a welcome addition to the team and should see starting time. At the net, watch for junior Cam McDonough to hold the fort as goalie.
Returners include Christian Carrieri, Brendan Ingalls, Dan Oteri and rounding out the roster are Sohaib Drif, Seamus Matthews, Jacobus Overgaag, Steven Rodriguez, Hooper Ward, Sam Barbagallo, Parker Thorton and Matt Whelan.
Overall, this is a roster with a great mix of underclass talent and senior expertise. “I see this team only getting better as the season goes on,” says Serino. “They’re hard workers and I expect great work from them.”
There is certainly not a night off in the Middlesex Freedom League, one of the toughest in the state. “This team knows that the league is too tough not to work 100% in every game,” says Serino.
Check out the Red Raiders on Saturday when they host Everett at home at the Knoll field at 2:00 p.m.
