Post publication update:
Melrose defeats Watertown 1-0 (Oct. 27)
Melrose defeats Stoneham 6-0 (Oct. 22)
Published October 24, 2025
Girls’ soccer taking care of business in Freedom League
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCCI
MELROSE—Last Sunday evening, the Melrose High girls soccer team blanked visiting Burlington, 2-0, at Fred Green Field. This game was originally scheduled for Monday night but was moved to Sunday due to referee issues.
With that victory, Melrose improved to 9-5-2 overall and 8-4-2 in the Middlesex League. They are also now in second place behind Wilmington in the Middlesex League Freedom division as they improved to 6-1-1
Melrose notched its first goal in the 26th minute as Ella Beshel scored assisted by Sophie McElligott. “Sophie had a beautiful crossing pass on that play,” stated Melrose head coach Olivia Downey.
The other goal came in the 11th minute of the second half as McElligott scored, assisted by Emma Drago.”Emma made a nice chip pass over the defense that was playing up,” recalled Downey.
McElligott leads the team in goals with 12 so far.
Kate Stratford was the Melrose goalkeeper and she made four saves to improve to 5-4-1. “She made two big saves in the second half,” pointed out Downey.
Melrose also completed the season sweep over the Red Devils as they won the first match-up, 4-0, back on Sept. 10.
On Oct. 15, Melrose also beat guest Woburn, 2-0, at Pine Banks. Both goals came in the opening stanza as McElligott scored in the 16th minute assisted by Lauren Healy.
McElligott, a senior co-captain, struck again finding the Tanners net in the final minute of the half. Zoe Tubinis assisted on that one.
“That goal gave us some good momentum heading into the second half,” said Downey. “Sophie has been on fire lately. She is a great leader by example and has a very high soccer IQ.”
Stratford made three saves in net.
Melrose wraps up the regular season on Oct. 27 as they host Watertown. That game is at Fred Green Field and will start at 7 pm. It is also Senior Night, as nine 12th-graders will be honored before the game. Melrose is looking for the season sweep against the Raiders as they beat them, 2-0, back on Sept. 27. Melrose entered this week ranked 18th in the MIAA Division 2 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the state tournament regardless of overall record.