Post publication update:
Melrose defeats Wilmington 1-0 (Oct. 6)
Published October 6, 2025
Soccer boys split ML Freedom play
Win over Stoneham marks another shutout
By CORY THOMAS
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s soccer team remains a strong 4-3-2 on the season following a series of Middlesex League competition, including a 1-0 shutout over rival Stoneham on Sept. 24.
Melrose hosted the Spartans at Pine Banks under threatening skies and a steady drizzle. Melrose came in undefeated in their last four games, with three victories and one tie and was looking to extend their winning streak to five games with a victory over the Spartans.
Melrose’s Sirak Araia, riding a hot hand of late, got the home team on the scoreboard in the first half with a slick goal to make it 1-0. Melrose played with Max Rosnov back in the lineup and Rosnov showed great promise on offense for Melrose, along with steady regulars like Reon Anderson, Henry Rahilly and Quinn Canton.
The weather slowed the offensive chances for both teams, as the play with the ball was cautious. Right before the half, Rahilly lofted a nice ball into the box that Quinn Cantin headed just over the Stoneham goalie and the teams went into halftime with Melrose ahead 1-0 under deteriorating conditions.
Melrose had chances to add to their lead in the second half but they couldn’t quite connect, the hard driving rain wreaking havoc on the play. Reon Anderson had a corner kick that Ryan Heipler just missed high over the Stoneham goal. Quinn Cantin hit the post late for Melrose off another corner kick from Reon Anderson. Lucas Brodeur, Malek Sayegh and goal keeper Owen Brown were defensive stalwarts for Melrose as they locked down Stoneham’s offense to preserve the 1-0 Melrose victory.
On Saturday night, September 27 under the lights as Victory Field, Melrose traveled to Watertown to take on their Middlesex League rival. Melrose fell behind a strong Watertown team early, which is uncharacteristic for this steady defensive team. Trailing Melrose rallied to draw closer behind goals from Ryan Heipler, assisted by Lucas Brodeur and then Melrose drew the game to 3-2 behind a penalty kick goal by sophomore Quinn Cantin. But in the end, Watertown proved to be too strong, as they took the contest by a final score of 4-2, their first loss in five contests.
They look to bounce back when they travel to Wilmington on Monday evening to take on the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m.