Published by September 28, 2018 edition.
MELROSE — The Wakefield girls’ soccer team went to Melrose on Tuesday looking to continue a strong stretch of games against Middlesex Freedom Division foes.
The Warriors put together another strong defensive game during complete downpour conditions and left town with a big 2-1 win following two goals from freshman forward Ashlee Purcell.
Purcell scored her first goal less than two minutes into the game.
“That definitely gave us the momentum and was the start we were looking for under the difficult weather conditions,” said Wakefield head coach Steph Martin.
Purcell’s freshman classmate Kayli Porter picked up the assist on the goal.
Aside from the heroics of scoring goals, a 2-1 win is always a team victory. The Warriors were solid defensively all day, whether that was the back line or in the midfield.
Caroline Hurley controlled the midfield for Wakefield and earned a nod from coach Martin who said it was the captain’s best game of the year so far.
“Her mental and physical toughness throughout the whole 80 minutes set the tone for her teammates,” said Martin of Hurley.
Junior Lillian Jones and freshman Caroline Lilley also put in solid minutes for the Warriors and were defensive nightmare for Melrose.
Junior Sarah Melanson was also a key component of the defense.
“Sarah Melanson did an excellent job keeping the defense poised with any Melrose threats in our 18,” said Martin.
Purcell’s second goal, which ended up being the game-winner, was assisted by captain Brooke Lilley after a creative back-heel pass from Porter. Purcell got a last-minute touch on the ball to push it past the Melrose keeper who was strong all day.
The win was Wakefield’s third in their last four games as they outscored their Freedom opponents (Burlington, Watertown, Wilmington and Melrose) 10-2 during that stretch.
“The girls continue to work hard in practice each day and are taking it one game at a time,” said Martin. “We are excited that we’ve played well over these last four games but are keeping things in check and focusing on our next opponent which is a very strong Stoneham team that is very well-coached.”
Fall
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Stoneham
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The Warriors’ run came to an end last night against Stoneham. Since the rain flooded the Spartans’ home field, the location was changed to Walton Field at the Galvin.
Stoneham was simply too talented in this one as they unleashed the Caldarelli sisters who played a part in each goal during the 6-1 Spartan win. Samantha Caldarelli had four goals and Amanda Caldarelli had a goal and three assists.
The Warriors had a gameplan to shadow each player all day, but as is the case so often in
soccer, when great players get into a rhythm, there is no way to defend it.
Wakefield’s goal came from a great player of their own as junior Paige Dube cut the Stoneham lead to 2-1 in the first half, but a last minute Stoneham goal sent the Spartans into the break with a 3-1 lead that they would increase in the second half against a tiring Wakefield back line.
Sometimes it’s best to erase games from the system and reboot. The Warriors need to look at the big picture as they prepare for three straight games against large Liberty division opponents, starting in Arlington on Wednesday.
“The girls will continue to work on the little things day-in and day-out that make us a better team,” said Martin. “We are looking to get better and better each day in hopes of achieving our number one team goal of making the state tourney.”
