Flying high after Winchester & Burlington victories
By CORY THOMAS
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s varsity soccer team earned back-to-back wins and are 2-2-1 on the season following an impressive 3-0 shutout over Burlington and a 3-1 win over Winchester this week.
Melrose hosted Division 1 Winchester at Pine Banks on Monday, September 15 on a sunny day in a match-up of Middlesex League foes.
Both teams came out strong with Melrose showing early pressure by Reon Anderson and aggressive defense by Josh Bird against the Winchester attack. Melrose got a big save early from their goalkeeper Owen Brown. A corner kick by Reon Anderson was unsuccessful as Melrose attacked in the Winchester zone. Melrose’s Sirak Araia had strong two-way play during the back and forth action. Ryan Heipler, Quinn Cantin, and Reon Anderson pressed while senior captains Josh Bird and Malek Sayegh anchored the defensive attack, along with Owen Brown. Despite the strong defense, Winchester got on the scoreboard first off a deflection in front of Owen Brown for the early 1-0 Winchester lead.
Undaunted, Melrose returned to the attack. Quinn Cantin floated a lovely pass to Reon Anderson, who converted the header to level the score at 1-1 in a brilliant goal. Not satisfied with tying, Melrose continued to attack Winchester defense. Anderson’s hustle led to a penalty by Winchester and a penalty kick for Anderson, who blasted a low line drive just inside the left goal post, beyond the outstretched hand of the Winchester goal keeper to give Melrose their first lead of the day 2-1 in the first half. Winchester tried to rally late before halftime, but a great save by Owen Brown kept the score at 2-1 at halftime. Said Brown of Melrose’s team defense, “The boys are playing hard, especially in limiting the opponents shots on net.”
Melrose’s Sirak Araia had a heads-up defensive play as the second half got under way while Henry Rahilly showed strong two-way play for Melrose, along with Aidan Murphy. Daniel Jimenez was playing solid at both ends and Lucas Brodeur, who was all over the field, cleared out a Winchester attack. Jack Drago had a nice sliding tackle for Melrose as Winchester pressured looking to tie the score. Lucas Brodeur continued his fine defense in the second half and there was a nice steal and shot on net for Melrose by Gavin Barsoti.
Owen Brown had a clutch save with five minutes to go with Melrose still leading 2-1. Jimenez also had two, fine defensive plays late as Winchester pressured to tie. Melrose’s Ali Abidi had late pressure on offense, helping pave the way for a late goal by Sirak Araia to make it 3–1 which sealed the league win for Melrose over an always-tough Winchester.
Reon Anderson, who had two goals and an assist against Winchester, was happy with the victory and the play of Melrose this past week. “I think the win over Winchester is a huge step forward for us as a team. I think we can continue to play how we did today, and hopefully even better in our upcoming games,” he said.
In earlier Middlesex League action, Melrose traveled to Burlington on Sept. 10 and returned with a 3-0 victory. Brown and the team defense came up big against the Red Devils, keeping a clean sheet and recorded their first shutout of the season.
The Melrose offensive attack was led by senior Ryan Heipler and sophomore Quinn Cantin, as each had a goal and an assist against Burlington. Junior Sirak Araia finished off the scoring for Melrose as they secured their important road victory in Burlington.
Strong defense by Melrose’s Josh Bird, Lucas Brodeur, Malek Sayegh and the Melrose back line helped pave the way for the shutout, along with skillful protection by goalkeeper Owen Brown.
Admitted Brown, “The boys played hard, statement strong defense didn’t allow many shots, nice to win two in a row, we’re hoping to keep it rolling Friday night. After a rough start to the year, and we are hoping to keep things rolling at Soccer Night in Melrose.”
Fellow senior captain Reon Anderson, said of Brown, “Having such a reliable guy in net for us really allows us to push our attack forward offensively, we know with Owen back there, we have faith in him to come up big for us when we need him to.”
Melrose is now 2-2-1 on the year as they prepare for Soccer Night in Melrose on Friday, September 19 as they host Wilmington at Fred Green Field. Action starts at 5:00 p.m.