THE MELROSE High boy’s varsity team picked up a Soccer Night win over Wilmington on a 1-0 score by Tyler Lecomte. They gathered with their youngest fans prior to the game. (courtesy photo)

 

 

After press time:
Melrose defeats Watertown 1-0 (Oct. 23)

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE 

MELROSE—It’s a fight to the finish for the Melrose High boys’ varsity soccer team, who are riding a two-game winning streak in their last three unbeaten games as their regular season winds down and they fight for a playoff spot in a crowded Div. 2 field.

They made that job easier on Friday evening and Monday afternoon when they swept league opponents Wilmington and Stoneham by scores of 1-0 and 2-1, respectively.

Friday served as the annual Soccer Night in Melrose, a well-attended tradition that celebrates both high school and youth soccer players in Melrose. Varsity and young players took to Fred Green Field prior to the start of Melrose’s game against Wilmington, and Melrose put on a defensive show for all fans.

They played to a deadlocked first half before Melrose’s Tyler Lecomte scored on an assist by Dante Lamentea in the second half. It was the only score of the night and enough for a Melrose victory. Goalies Owen Brown and Matteo Giovarnardi split duties at the net and earned the shutout. Overall, Melrose head coach Dean Serino was pleased with the team effort.

“Our defense overall was strong. I thought we did a good job getting the ball moving. Aiden Murphy and Malek Sayegh really played well and it was great to see Josh Bird and John Arens making things happen out there.”

Melrose also hosted Stoneham on Monday at Fred Green and battled to a 2-1 win. Melrose overcame a 1-0 Stoneham lead at the half to trigger the upset. Scoring first was Melrose’s Owen Brodeur on a corner kick on an assist by Aiden Murphy. Then, Tyler Lecomte scored on a free kick about ten minutes later. “This was a game that we showed character. We played super physical and every time we play Stoneham – a team I coached at for many years – they rise to the occasion,” notes Serino.

Melrose had previously beaten Stoneham 1-0 earlier in the season. Melrose goalies Giovanardi and Brown kept the Spartans scoreless in the second half on Monday.

Since Oct. 11, Melrose hasn’t lost a game, with a tie and these last two wins decorating their schedule. And with a record of 6-8-2, playoffs are within reach with two more regular season games left and a chance to solidify a .500 season. But their opponents include Watertown (who recently beat a tough Wakefield) and Marblehead, ranked third in their division.

Melrose sits at No. 34 in Power Rankings, with the top ranked 33 teams in each division getting a ticket to a post season. Nothing is a given, and while the challenges are there in terms of competition, pulling off a win or two will greatly increase Melrose’s chances. The next Power Rankings are due to be released this Friday. 

“Whether or not we make playoff I don’t know,” says Serino. “We have two more games to really focus on staying consistent, and tighten up our defense. I’d like them to produce more shutouts and deny other teams’ chances.”

And if it doesn’t come to fruition, the coach is proud of their efforts. “These boys have gone through adversity and come out better for it. They offer no excuses. They are mentally tough and will work hard until the end.”

Remaining schedule (regular): 

Wed. Oct. 23 @ Watertown, 7:45 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 28 @ Marblehead, 4:30 pm.