Hosts Greater Lawrence in playoffs Friday at 3:00
Published in the November 3, 2016 edition
2016 ML Freedom Champ Melrose boys’ soccer team made history by earning the program’s first ever league title. They begin playoffs Friday, Nov. 4 at 4:00 hosting Greater Lawrence. Pictured from left: Mike Dreske, Liam Singleman, Alex Rosati, Will Pzegeo, Pete Wiesen, Joe Connolly, Matt Ingalls, Brett Botto, John O’Connell and Nick Cordeau. (Steve Karampalas photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — For the first time in the history of the program, the Melrose High Red Raider soccer team is Middlesex League champion.
A 6-1 victory over Stoneham last Thursday clinched the historic feat for Melrose who, at 9-6-1, (11-6-1 overall) will share the title with rival Watertown, holder of the same record. The league champs now begin their Div. 3 North playoff run this Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at home at Fred Green Field against Greater Lawrence.(Further details at press time were not available.)
It’s been a fantastic season for coach Dean Serino’s team, whose last brush with league dominance came nearly five years ago. And while it’s Melrose’s first league title, it’s not their first taste of success. Melrose enjoyed a Sectional appearance in 2001 and some deep playoff runs during years of play from MHS greats Ryan Johnson and Frandtzdy Pierrot, among others. But to win a first-ever title is something special for the entire school.
Coach Serino, however, remains forward focused. “I think maybe after the season I’ll reflect on what they’ve accomplished. But the team is like me – just anxious to play the next game. They just love the game and want to keep going.”
Whatever works, works – the team plays with a lot of soccer in them. And that passion for the game showed on Thursday, Oct. 27 when they beat Stoneham, 6-1, in a victory that punched their ticked into the Div. 3 North tournament. While Melrose has been a defensive-minded team this season, they’re offense is peaking as the regular season winds down.
Case in point: their 6-1 victory over the Spartans. Melrose’s Shea Champagne earned a hat trick for the Raiders, who also relied on a handful of scorers, including Nick Cordeau, Peter Weisen and David Kurti, called up to the squad to earn his first varsity goal. Mike Dreske was at the net for goalie, limiting the Spartans to just one goal. “Mike is just such a good athlete and plays his heart out,” says his coach.
Offensively, Champagne has been among the leading point scorers for Melrose, along with Cordeau and Joe Connolly. Having a lot of scoring options is a nice problem to have for Melrose as they look to made a dent in the Div. 3N bracket.
Drawing a fifth seed on Wednesday, Melrose is poised to host Greater Lawrence at 3:00 p.m at Fred Green Field. Across the bracket, Swampscott is a team that might pose the biggest threat, while M.L. rival Watertown could rear its head again down the road. However, as Serino points out, “In that scenario we split with them this year, so we’ll be prepared.” Certainly, it’s game to game for these Raider athletes.
As always, schedules are subject to change. Melrose fans are encouraged to visit www.miaa.net for up to date playoff information.
