League champ Melrose returns several starters
Published in the August 31, 2017 edition
THE ML Freedom League champ Melrose Red Raider soccer opens their season Wednesday loaded with talent. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Middlesex League has been warned: keep your eye on the Melrose Red Raider soccer team. Melrose returns after a spectacular 2016 season, when they clinched their first league title ever with an 11-6-1 record and advanced two rounds in playoffs. This year they return eight starters, including their goalie and leading offensive scorer, and now hope to retain the ML Freedom title this spring.
“This is the first time I’ve had a senior-heavy class,” says Melrose coach Dean Serino. “It means we return with a lot of experience, particularly playoff experience and I think will serve us well.”
Leading the teams as captains are Will Pzegeo, Pete Weisen and Sava Vlajhovic, three skilled and experienced All Star players who can help Melrose lock up another playoff run this year. “They are great captains who are leaders and in great shape. Overall, I have great seniors who love this sport, are very athletic and smart in the classroom. It shows on the field.”
Among the seniors who will also take the lead include are Owen Thorsteinson and Shea Champagne, Melrose’s leading scorer who earned a hat trick during 2016’s playoff run. “Owen is completely devoted to the game, does so much for us and Shea will be counted on to score a lot for us, he’s had a great off season,” says Serino.
A setback in preseason included injury to Pat Donahue, leaving a center back role open, which could be aided by players such as Dylan Vienot, while Brett Botto and David Kurti return to the field looking strong, along with players Luc Carbonneau, Lance DeSelm and Stian Forsberg.
Perhaps the best news for Melrose? Their goalie, Jared Dowell, returns after a terrific debut season in 2016. “Jared had a great season for us last year. He’s doing all the right things, working hard and improving on the offseason, getting stronger and mobile.”
As for the competition, Melrose may have a target on their back after their impressive run in 2016. And that’s okay to Serino. “We snuck up on a lot of people last year but they won’t overlook us any longer. But it does mean we have to rise our level of play to reflect our talent and experience.”
So with big scorers, defensive players and a starting goalie returning, count on Melrose to be must-see viewing this fall.
“We will have our challenges,” says the coach. “But this is a team that rises to challenges. The experience is there, so we will continue to work as a team and position ourselves to win.”
Melrose season opens up Sept. 6 in a home opener against defending State 1 champ Lexington at the Knoll. Action starts at 3:45 p.m.
