First ever league title & 10+ win season
Updates post publication:
Melrose defeats Stoneham 1-0 (Oct. 26)
Melrose defeats Peabody 3-0 (Oct. 28)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCI
MELROSE—It’s been a Cinderella story for the MHS girls’ soccer team who made history last week by not only earning their most wins per season with 12 (and counting), but also clinching their first ever Middlesex League Freedom title, following back-to-back wins over Burlington and Wilmington. Winners of four straight, Melrose is now keeping eyes focused on their Div. 2 playoff run, which is expected to include a home playoff game. At 12-2-1 Melrose is currently power ranked at #9 with playoff brackets to be released on Tuesday, Oct. 31 with action projected to take place around Nov. 3.
On Monday evening, Melrose nipped host Wilmington, 1-0, to complete the season sweep over the Wildcats whom they beat, 2-1, back on Sept. 29. Melrose senior Ellie Deeble had the lone goal with 30 seconds left in the first half. Sophie McElligott had the assist as her through ball found Deeble.
The victory was their fourth straight and they improved to 12-2-1 overall and 11-2-1 in the Middlesex League. It was also the team’s fourth-straight shutout, as they have nine overall. “They presented a lot of challenges with their style,” admitted Melrose head coach Rob Mahoney about the Wildcats.
Melrose goalkeeper Ava Tormo made six saves to go to 7-2-1.
On Oct. 20 Melrose completed the season sweep over Burlington, winning at home, 2-0, at Pine Banks. Three minutes into the game, junior Paige Crovo scored her first-career goal and McElligott scored the second, which took place in the 63rd minute. “We controlled the play most of that game,” said Mahoney. “We had several other chances to score as well.”
Tormo saved two Red Devil shots in that game.
In the 24th minute, Lily Nolan scored, assisted by Cadence L’Heureux. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Deeble made it 2-0, assisted by Ella Callahan. That victory gave Melrose their first-ever Middlesex League Freedom Division title.
And, on Oct 18, Melrose shutout host Wakefield, 3-0, in a night game to sweep the Warriors this fall. McElligott had the final goal coming off a free kick with just over four minutes remaining in the game. “It was a complete performance,” said Mahoney. Tormo made two saves in that game.
There is still a lot of soccer left and room for Melrose to advance higher in power rankings. On Oct. 27, Melrose hosts Peabody in a non-league match at 5:30 pm. It is part of fourth-annual Soccer Night in Melrose at Fred Green Field as the MHS boys team will play against Marblehead right afterwards at 7:15 p.m.
Melrose wraps up the regular season on Oct. 30 when they host Woburn at 4:15 pm at Pine Banks. After that, it’s Div. 2 playoffs.
Fans are encouraged to visit our social media pages or the MIAA website at miaa.net for up to date game information.