Updates post publication:
#7 Melrose defeats Minnechaug 5-1
Advances to the Round of 16.
Melrose defeats Westwood 3-1 on (Nov. 8)
Advances to the Elite 8
To keep up to date on game details, visit www.miaa.net.
Published November 3, 2023
Stuns Newton South, 2-1, to enter tourney 13-3-2
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boys’ soccer team enters playoff this week fresh off a two-game winning streak (and winners of 4 of their last 5 games) as they await their Div. 2 playoff opener this weekend.
Brackets were released on Wednesday and, at press time, they were scheduled to host the winner of No. 26 Minnechaug and No. 29 Southeast RVT (who will play on Friday) either Saturday or Sunday in Round of 32 play. (All official tournament information can be found at www.miaa.net)
With a generous #7 seeding, Melrose is also primed to host additional playoff games thanks to their great 13-3-2 record.
And that job may have been made easier thanks to some key wins they collected last weekend, an impressive 5-3 win over Marblehead on Soccer Night in Melrose, and an even better 2-1 victory over a Div. 1 top 10 ranked Newton South, who Melrose hosted on Monday.
It was a well-earned win for the boys, who saw senior Jovan Ssebugwawo earn both the tying and the game-winning goals against the Lions in the second half of the game after Melrose fell to a 1-0 deficit early.
“It was just a real complete win for the whole team,” said Melrose head coach Dean Serino after the game. “Jovan played terrific scoring those two goals for us. This game really had a playoff feel to it and it’s the perfect way to bring us into tournament play.”
Much credit goes to the team’s leading scorer, senior Amir Lahkiky, who came up big in Melrose’s win over Marblehead as well, during its Soccer Night game last Friday evening at home. In it, Lahkiky had two goals while Ssebugwawo, Liam Gavin and Nick Thermenos also scored for Melrose.
“Amir is one of the best players I’ve coached in my career,” says Serino, who notes that he’s up with their MHS greats like Frantzdy Pierrot, Ryan Johnson and Joey Beshel. “What he does out there on the field is incredible and he makes so much happen.”
Melrose is simply saving its best for last and that was evident in beating such a high level Div. 1 team.
“I give these boys so much credit,” says Serino. “I thought Liam Gavin had one of this best games and was super tough out there. Nick and Aiden played really well, and defensively, Sam O’Donnell stepped up big time along with Malik, who, as a sophomore, has so much potential.”
As for playoffs, Melrose will be ready.
“We’re a team that rises to the competition that we’re playing,” says Serino. “We move the ball well. Newton South is a team who recently tied nationally-ranked Concord Carlisle. They challenged us, but we proved tonight that we can match efforts against anyone.”
Fans are encouraged to visit our social media pages and miaa.net for up to date tournament game information.