Post publication update:
Melrose falls to Wakefield 3-1 (Oct. 13)
Melrose falls to Arlington 2-0 (Oct. 8)
Published October 10, 2025
Melrose High boys’ soccer shuts out Wilmington, 1-0
By CORY THOMAS
WILMINGTON—The Melrose High boy’s varsity soccer team traveled to Wilmington to take on the Wildcats in a Middlesex Freedom Division match-up where Melrose looked to improve on their 4-4-2 record, and they did just that, earning their fifth win of the season, thanks to a 1-0 victory on the backs for a clean sheet from goalkeeper Owen Brown and a successful penalty kick from Reon Anderson.
Melrose (5-4-2) opened the game applying pressure on offense. Sirak Araia had a nice run that set up Quinn Cantin, who fired a shot on net that the Wilmington goalkeeper was just able to contain it. Daniel Jimenez had a good pass to Ryan Heipler for another Melrose shot on net that was also saved by Wilmington. Seniors Lucas Broduer and Reon Anderson controlled the ball for Melrose at both ends of the field and the teams remained scoreless as the game approached halftime, with Melrose carrying the offensive play.
Strong hustle from Ali Abidi and Sirak Araia led to a chance in the box and a called penalty, which was taken and buried by Reon Anderson for the 1-0 Melrose lead, nine minutes before halftime.
Strong defense by Daniel Jimenez created an opportunity from senior Captain Aidan Murphy, that was stopped by Wilmington’s goalkeeper. Sirak Araia had another quality run towards goal but could not convert for Melrose, as the teams went into halftime with Melrose leading 1-0.
Melrose started the second half strong with pressure from Josh Bird, Reon Anderson, Quinn Cantin and Ali Abidi, but Wilmington’s defense was tough all night long in front of their talented goalkeeper. Melrose senior captain Malek Sayegh had a strong defensive play for Melrose, breaking up a Wilmington run towards goal, to help keep the Wildcats scoreless.
Back on the offensive attack, Melrose’s Lucas Brodeur had a nice a nice throw in that Reon Anderson just missed at the far goalpost. Melrose applied more second half pressure behind Jack Drago and Ryan Heipler, who just missed converting a try mid-way through the second half. Reon Anderson and Patrick Buggy’s hustle led to another shot that went just high over the Wilmington crossbar.
The work of Jack Drago drew a free kick that was taken by Aidan Murphy that sailed high over the Wilmington goal.
Melrose’s tight defense and the steady play of senior captain goalkeeper Owen Brown on the back line helped preserve the important 1-0 victory for Melrose, who faces a big test this Wednesday as they host Middlesex League leaders Arlington (9-1-1) at Pine Banks (post deadline.) On Monday, Melrose will travel to Walton Field in Wakefield (3-3-3) for a tie-breaking season rematch at 10:00 a.m. The two teams previously battled to a 1-1 tie in early September.