3-1 upset over No. 2 Billerica earns Melrose trophy
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—It’s been a Cinderella story for the Melrose High boys’ varsity soccer team.
For nearly a decade, their seasons have included MIAA Div. 2 playoff runs. But none have been as exciting as this one. They are now 2023 MIAA Div. 2 Final Four champs, after bringing home the trophy on Nov. 13 when No. 7 seed Melrose beat No. 2 seed Billerica (18-1-1) on the road on Saturday, Nov. 11 in quarterfinal play to advance to State Semifinals against Oliver Ames (see accompanying article.)
The win follows their Round of 16 win over Westwood on Nov. 8 in a 3-1 game that saw Melrose score twice behind goals from Nick Thermenos and one from Amir Lahkiky.
Against Billerica, Melrose scored three critical goals against the Indians courtesy of Liam Gavin, Jevon Ssebugwawo and Amir Lahkiky. Melrose goalie Matteo Giovarnardi earned the win at the net, holding Billerica to just one first half goal and none in the next.
“We had the building steps to this moment,” said Melrose head coach Dean Serino after the win. “Each recent season we’d inch a little closer. I suppose it’s an upset given the seeding and [Billerica] being 18-1-1, but honestly, we beat some tough teams this fall (Newton South, Winchester) and it prepared us well. It feels great, and we have more to go.”
Melrose had traveled to Billerica to take on the favored Indians and struck first when Liam Gavin scored five minutes into the game, set up from Nick Thermenos who found Amir Lahkiky who fed the ball to Gavin. After, Billerica tied it up in the late first the two teams took a 1-1 lead into the half.
“Liam Gavin is the most underrated player in this league. He’s a pure passer, always, always knows where to put the ball,” says coach Serino. “When he is on the ball, things generate. He’s one of my favorite players who is just above and beyond in skill.”
He also could not say enough about Ssebugwawo, who scored Melrose’s second goal after halftime to give them a key 2-1 lead. “Jovan was exceptional. He’s just the perfect storm,” says Serino. “His goal really swung momentum our way. I mean we scored five minutes in the game and it’s like, ‘We still have an entire game that we have to preserve here.’ But I think getting that second goal by Jovan really set the tone. But it required them to play laser focused and I think they did.”
Earning the win at the net was goalie Matteo Giovarnardi, who was aided with great Melrose defense to keep the Indians scoreless in the second half. “Matteo has really stepped up for us since Aiden [Heipler] went down with injury,” said Serino of their defense. “Our unit did the job especially in the second half. Aiden Murphy had a great game and Eric Hall, John Arens, Sam O’Donnell and Danny Muller did the job.”
One player who certainly had a target on this back was senior captain Amir Lahkiky, who has mesmerized all year. “The key is to keep people off guard with Amir. We know he’s going to be double covered, so we mixed up positioning a bit and it seemed to work.”
Ironically, Melrose’s late goals were impeccably timed with bursting fireworks in the skies behind the goal posts, lending a rather majestic backdrop to a historical night.
“What sets this team apart is the just move the ball so well. It’s beautiful to see sometimes,” says Serino “They love playing together and have fun. They are friends and have great chemistry and now a Final Four trophy.”