D2 North finalists host Arlington tonight
Published in the September 7, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Coming off one of their best seasons ever, the Melrose Red Raider soccer team returns to its fall season looking to maintain a competitive edge.
In 2017, the Freedom League champions rolled through playoffs into the Div. 2 North title game, losing a close battle against foe Watertown, but the Red Raiders gave fans memories to last a lifetime. Since then, Melrose has lost 16 seniors to graduation, which gives the team a blank canvas to work on. Opportunity awaits for those Red Raiders who want to rise to the occasion and help Melrose earn what they hope will be their third straight league title.
Leading as captains are Miguel Contreras and Anthony Bilbilian, two Raiders who were part of last year’s exciting playoff run. Teammate Tarekegn O’Neill is another returning starter, part of a talented sophomore class on the team.
“This is a talented team who are very athletic and speedy,” says Melrose head coach Dean Serino. “Having lost so many seniors, it might be easy to call it a rebuilding year but we’re not looking at it that way. There is a lot of potential and some very talented and coachable underclassmen. I’m optimistic.”
One of those new players is keeper Mike Tormo, who replaces all star Jared Dowell at the net. Tormo was goalie on the junior varsity team and has impressed in early efforts. Says Serino, “Mike has had a great pre-season, he’s got a lot of passion for the game, has made great saves and is vocal with his teammates.”
While it’s early in the season and positions aren’t ironed out, expect Melrose’s defense to be aided by the work of Anthony Bilbilian, Ethan Peet, and Robbie Wiesen, among others. On offense, look for players such as Cam Rosnov and John Lacompte to take the lead.
Coming off such a spectacular season has built up excitement among the program, and also has provided learning experience for the players. Says the coach, “They know now what its like to play in intense games. My hope is that they remember the things it took to get to that level, whether it’s training hard, self care or taking care of your teammates. Those are the little things that make a difference.”
Melrose begins their season this week with some tough opponents. They will host Liberty league winner Arlington (13-4), a team they beat in 2017, this Friday at 5:45 at the West Knoll field in Melrose. They opened against Lexington on the road on Wednesday (post deadline). “It’s always difficult to face the ‘large’ teams straight off the bat,” says Serino. “But it does stand as a good test for us.”