Post publication updates:
Melrose (No. 37) falls to Milton (No. 28) 2-1 in the Preliminary Round of Div. 2 state tournament (Nov. 3).
Melrose defeats Marblehead 2-0, qualifies for state tournament (Oct. 29)
Published October 31, 2025
It’s down-to-the-wire for Melrose boy’s soccer Must-win game will determine a playoff season
By CORY THOMAS
MELROSE—The Melrose boys’ soccer team is in a fight for their state tournament lives and in need of a season finale victory this week in order to qualify for post-season play.
Melrose has been hovering around an even .500 in the second half of the season, and needed to take a win over Watertown or Marblehead this week in order to level their record out at 7-7-2 for an automatic playoff bid. But a loss to Watertown on Monday has them on the ropes their season finale against Watertown looms this week, at press time. Melrose is scheduled to play the Magicians (11-4-2) on Wednesday (post deadline) at Pine Banks. A win will secure a place for Melrose in the Div. 2 playoff field.
Melrose helped their cause on Oct. 22 when they traveled up Franklin Street to Stoneham to face off against the Spartans. Melrose used timely goals and strong defense to earn the 2-0 Middlesex League victory. Melrose got on the board first with an important goal by sophomore Quinn Cantin, who converted a clutch penalty kick, set up by the always hustling senior captain Aidan Murphy. Melrose defense was strong, especially in goal thanks to the continued sharp play from goalkeeper Owen Brown. Seniors Josh Bird and Lucas Brodeur are always in the defensive mix for Melrose as is Senior Malek Sayegh. The hustle from senior Ali Abidi led to a chance in front of the Stoneham net that junior Sirak Araia buried for the goal to lift Melrose to a 2-0 lead. That’s how the game would end and Melrose left with an even record of 7 wins, 7 losses and 2 ties.
Melrose next hosted a strong Watertown Raiders club at Pine Banks. Unfortunately, the team had to wait another day to punch their post season ticket, as they fell to Watertown by the score of 2-0, dropping their record to 7-8-2. The Raiders came out fast, scoring two quick goals early in the first half to take a commanding two-goal lead. Melrose kept battling all game long, thanks to strong play in goal by Owen Brown who made several diving saves to keep the Watertown score at two, keeping Melrose within striking distance. Quinn Cantin had a good chance to get Melrose back into the game and on the scoreboard but his kick went into the side of the net due to a bad angle and collapsing defense by Watertown. Jack Drago, Henry Rahilly, Patrick Buggy and Reon Anderson all were hustling hard for Melrose trying to ignite the Melrose attack but the strong Watertown defense made the going tough all night for Melrose. In the second half, still trailing 2-0 Owen Brown punched two balls way out of harm’s way in front of the net and Gavin Barsoti upped his game with hustle and pressure on offense for Melrose. Lucas Broduer made a heady play at the Melrose goal line after Owen Brown made a save, when Brodeur alertly jumped on the rebound and kicked it away for Melrose. Owen Brown made a sensational diving stop on a well-struck Watertown ball late in the second half. Melrose had a good chance to score late off of a Aidan Murphy corner kick that just missed connecting with Quinn Cantin at the far goal post, but they could not convert, and Watertown held on for the 2-0 victory, dropping Melrose to 7-8-2.
Melrose now faces a must win game at home against Marblehead. A victory will send Melrose into the state tournament.
Fans are encouraged to visit our social media pages and the MIAA website for up-to-date season information.