Post publication update:
Melrose defeats Peabody 2-0 (Sept. 21)
Melrose ties Wilmington 0-0 (Sept. 19)
Published September 19, 2025
Soccer girls fall to Winchester
Team looks forward to Soccer Night this evening
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MELROSE—On Monday afternoon, the Melrose High girls’ soccer team was shutout, 3-0, by host Winchester on a warm, sunny day. With that result, Melrose’s record dipped to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the Middlesex League.
“They have an unbelievable team,” stated Melrose head coach Olivia Downey, about the 4-0-1 Red and Black. “They play so well together and are a very strong passing that that is able to retain possession.”
All of Winchester’s goals came in the opening half as they scored in the fourth, tenth and 26th minute.
Lilah Croach played in net in the first half for Melrose and had four saves. Kate Stratford had five saves in the second half as Downey continues to platoon her goalkeepers.
In their first non-league game on Sept. 12, Melrose were nipped, 4-3, at Mansfield.
“This was a moral win for us,” said Downey. “I usually don’t get into moral wins but they beat us, 3-0, last year and the girls fought them tough.”
The Hornets scored in the ninth minute but Sophie McElligott tied it in the 15th minute assisted by Lila Fauci.
The home team scored in the 31st minute to go to the half up one. Melrose’s Anna Mathews then tied the game at two in the 20th minute into the second stanza. Chloe Arnold was credited with the assist.
However, the Hornets took the lead again ten minutes later.
With just over five minutes left, Lauren Healy tied the game for the third time with Ella Beshel assisting.
Mansfield then got the game-winning goal with a little over three minutes left. Stratford played in net the opening half as she made five stops. Croach also turned back five shots the second half.
But Melrose did pick up a win on September 10, when they blanked Burlington, 4-0, on the road.
Healy scored the game’s first goal in the 18th minute assisted by Zoe Breay. Seven minutes later, Ella Callahan made it 2-0 with Addie Healy assisting
Addie Healy then assisted on third goal that was scored by McElligott in the 36th minute. McElligott had the lone tally of the second half with just over a minute left in the game. Arnold assisted.
“That was a fun one,” said Downey. “Burlington is a very physical team and I loved that we were able to score four times.”
Croach got the win in net as she made ten saves in the opening half. Stratford made six saves in the second half.
This Friday evening, Sept. 19, is the sixth annual Melrose Soccer Night at Fred Green Field as both Melrose High teams will play against Wilmington. The Melrose boys’ team will play their game at 5 pm and the girls will follow at 7:30 p.m. Wilmington is the defending ML Freedom division champs so Downey hopes that a big crowd will show up.
On Sept. 21st, Melrose will host non-league Peabody at 6:00 p.m. at Fred Green Field. Melrose stays at home on Sept. 24 as they welcome Stoneham. That game will also be a Fred Green and start at 6:00 p.m.