Post publication update:
Melrose falls to Wilmington 1-0 (Oct. 6)
Published October 3, 2025
Soccer girls earn pair of Freedom League wins
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls soccer team have improved to 6-4-1 on the season following two straight shutouts over Freedom League opponents Stoneham and Watertown.
Ever better news is that the latest MIAA power rankings came out and sees Melrose ranked 16th in Division 2. (The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the state tournament regardless of overall record.)
Much of that placement had to do with Melrose’s recent play, which saw them go 2-1 against ML opponents last week.
In started on Wednesday, Sept. 24 when Melrose shut out Stoneham, 6-0, at a rain-soaked Fred Green Field. Melrose led this game 5-0 at the break.
Sophie McElligott led the attack with two goals, while single goals were scored by Chloe Arnold, Ella Yorkey, Abby Taylor, and Anna Mathews. Callahan had a career-high three assists. “She is a very unselfish player and seems to always be in the right spot at the right time,” said Downey of Callahan.
On Saturday afternoon, Melrose also shutout Watertown, 2-0, on the road. “It was a frustrating game because they play such a defensive style,” pointed out Downey. “They really pack the box making it tough to score.”
The first goal came from recent junior varsity call-up, Clara Whatley, who scored assisted by Callahan. Chloe Arnold made it 2-0 assisted by Whatley. Lilah Croach got the win in net as she made three saves in the second half to go to 4-1. Stratford started and made three stops in the first half.
On Monday night, the team lost, 3-1, at home to Lexington at Fred Green Field. “Along with Winchester, Lexington is the best team we have played so far this year,” said coach Downey. “It felt like we were with them for most of the game until the final ten minutes.”
Melrose scored the first goal of the game as Lauren Healy scored in the 12th minute assisted by Ella Callahan. The Minutemaids, who improved to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the league, tied it in the 28th minute and the score stayed knotted at one at the half.
Lexington’s second-half goals came in the 56th minute and the 64th minute. The first goal came off a crossing pass while the second one came on a breakaway.
Kate Stratford was the goalkeeper in this game and she made two saves.
The next two games for Melrose will be on the road as they visit Wilmington on Oct. 6 at 5:00 p.m. The teams tied 0-0 in their first meeting on Sept. 19.
Melrose then visits Arlington on Oct. 8 at 4:15 pm.
Melrose’s current record is 6-4-1 overall and 5-3-1 in the Middlesex League.