Post publication update:
Melrose falls in the preliminary round of Div. 2 state tournament to Milton 2-1 in OT (Nov. 3)
Published November 7, 2025
Beating Marblehead landed Melrose into playoffs
Soccer boys faced do-or-die in regular season finale
By CORY THOMAS
MELROSE—On October 29, the last day of their regular season, the Melrose High boy’s soccer team had a clear objective ahead of them: defeat Marblehead and make the 2025 MIAA state tournament. That is exactly what this upperclassmen-led team accomplished at Pine Banks, with a season extending, clutch victory over #17 ranked D3 team Marblehead, 2-0 for the Red & White. Senior captains Reon Anderson (2 goals) and goalkeeper Owen Brown (shutout) led the charge for Melrose.
Melrose improved to a regular season final record of 8-8-2, good enough for the 37th seed in the Division three state tournament against #28 Milton on the road on Monday, Nov. 3 (see accompanying story.)
Against Marblehead, Melrose senior captain Aidan Murphy had a strong, early chance from out in front that sailed just high over the Marblehead net. Melrose came out strong and carried play most of the first half. Lucas Brodeur, on the back end, and Ali Abidi in the middle, were both strong and helped Melrose with good scoring chances. Seniors Josh Bird and Pat Buggy were effective, disrupting Marblehead’s attack and being general agitators for Melrose on both ends of the field. A nice pass from sophomore Quinn Cantin out front to Josh Bird, who headed the ball towards the Marblehead net, but was saved by the Marblehead goalkeeper to keep the match scoreless early on. When tested, Melrose goalie Owen Brown successfully punched away a Marblehead shot to send Melrose running on offense. Reon Anderson, who earlier this year brushed off an injury he suffered in Wakefield, controlled the ball at the top of the scoring box. Given space, Anderson reared back and let loose a laser of a shot from twenty-five yards out that tickled the twine behind the Marblehead goalkeeper for a huge goal for Melrose, as they took a 1-0 lead in this vital game.
Melrose, with momentum squarely on their side, continued the attack. Ali Abidi’s hustle with the ball drew a penalty shot opportunity for Melrose. Reon Anderson coolly stepped to the ball in the penalty area, all eyes on him and the opposing goalkeeper. Once again, Anderson uncorked a laser of a shot that broke past the goalkeeper to give Melrose a commanding 2-0 lead in a game they needed to win to continue the season for this great group of seniors, Melrose went into halftime leading by the same score of 2-0.
Early in the third, Owen Brown had a nice save to keep the shutout intact. Quinn Cantin and Ali Abidi, along with Jack Drago, applied pressure to make it difficult for Marblehead to mount an attack. Max Rosnov and Ian McGrath also added strong play in the middle of the field for Melrose in this must-win game.
The shutout was proof of the team’s great senior leadership all season long, and the result was Melrose punching their ticket to the state tournament.