By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE MIDFIELDER Rowan Dempster chases down a Burlington attacker in Melrose's hard-fought 3-2 loss to the Red Devils. (Jennifer Gentile photo) 

MELROSE MIDFIELDER Rowan Dempster chases down a Burlington attacker in Melrose’s hard-fought 3-2 loss to the Red Devils. (Jennifer Gentile photo)

MELROSE — After launching a valiant comeback from a 2-0 deficit, the Melrose Red Raider soccer team was narrowly defeated by Burlington, 3-2 at the West Knoll field in Melrose on Tuesday after a Red Devil score with minutes remaining tilted the contest in their favor.

The two teams were locked in a scoreless tie throughout the first half before Burlington struck on a slow kicker rebound shot past Melrose goalie John Locke. Four minutes after halftime the Red Devils would strike again to make the game 2-0.

Melrose launched a furious bid in the second half with Melrose freshman Franz Pierrot taking hard shots at the net, blocked solidly by Burlington’s keeper. Melrose goalie John Locke also fended off a flurry of shots to limit the Red Devil damage. Finally, Melrose’s Vien Pham found the net at 36:20, giving Melrose their first score of the day, 2-1. Melrose keeper John Locke managed a great save at 26:29 before Melrose’s Joe Brach evened things up with a goal with 7:50 remaining on the clock. The game remained deadlocked 2-2 until Burlington hit a goal with three minutes to go, giving them the winning edge.

Melrose will continue their league play this week when they travel to Wakefield on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. (post deadline) and Watertown on Tuesday on the road at 7 p.m.