Offense will be calling card this fall
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The reigning Middlesex Freedom League champion boy’s soccer team returns this fall with a target on their back from league rivals who watched Melrose take the league and march their way to Div. 2 Elite 8 playoff competition last year.
Coach Dean Serino’s team was considered one of the top teams in Div. 2 in 2022 and they advanced two rounds in playoffs with a 14-4-2 record before falling to Bedford, 1-0, a result that kept them just one goal away from advancing to Final 4 championship. That was last year though, and Melrose now returns with that playoff experience and some top talent. While Melrose lost a strong unit of upper class seniors last year, particularly defensemen, they return from potent scorers who will no doubt keep Melrose on the scoreboard much of the season.
That includes senior captain Amir Lahkiky, who offensively carried Melrose with numerous post-season goals, including a lone score that pushed Melrose over Nauset, 1-0, advancing them to Elite 8 competition. He returns as captain along with seniors Aidan Heipler, Erik Hall and Sam O’Donnell. “We have a lot of great kids coming back and these four will lead by example,” says coach Serino. Another reliable scorer, Tyler Lecomte, who had a big playoff last season, also returns.
Middles/forwards could be represented from anyone from Liam Gavin, Sam O’Donnell, to Jovan Ssebugwawo, Nick Thermenos and Amir Lahkiky. “It’s really about solidifying things and putting players in the right places,” says Serino. “That’s what we’re focused on. We have the ingredients.”
Returning goalie Aiden Heipler at the net automatically puts them at an advantage. The senior was a big part of the team’s success last year and enjoyed two shutouts in last year’s playoff games. He will man a defense that Melrose will look to replenish after losing a strong line last year. Fortunately, there are a lot of talented athletes willing to rise to the occasion. Says the coach, “We pride ourselves on team defense. We work as a unit.”
Underclassmen Malek Sayegh, sophomore, and junior John Arens will bring youth and speed to the field, while several seniors are vying for spots. “We have some youth in the back and I expect Dan Muller to take charge and Malik and John to contribute there. I expect to see Patrick Stafford out there, he’s really improved.”
In the last two seasons, Melrose has consistently cracked the top 10 of the Div. 2 rankings, which makes them a team with a target on their back. Last season, Melrose won every Freedom game but one, and that’s a trend they’d like to continue. Notes Serino, “The whole league is good. Wakefield always gives us trouble and I expect Woburn to be much improved.”
Melrose has again devised a tough schedule that only works to their advantage. Not only does it prepare them for playoffs, it strengthens their degree of difficulty which helps keep them ranked high in the division. Melrose will play strong teams such as Newton South and Marblehead this season. “Those are teams that keep us playoff ready so we are really looking forward to those games,” says Serino. They open their season on the road next Thursday against Woburn.
As they iron out small details one thing is for certain, this team will be ready to roll. Says Serino, “I’m excited about this team. They are great kids. Overall, this team is smart, dedicated and really coachable.”