Soccer nights have become a “thing” and Watertown’s was last night. The nightcap featured first place versus second place in the Freedom Division of the Middlesex League, specifically Melrose at 3-0-1 and 7 points, and the Raiders in second place at 2-0-2 and 6 points. Overall, Melrose was 4-2-2 and Watertown undefeated through eight games at 3-0-5. There you go — all you need to know before a 6:30 start on a beautiful fall night before a big soccer night crowd.
Much like recent games, Watertown got off to a good start and controlled the play early. The back line of Shea, Brennock, Marques and Shrestha was anticipating the play and pushing the ball up field. Galeano, Anker, Hughes, Kurth, Salvi and Foley were handling the tempo up front. And only 6 minutes in Gavin Foley, with an assist to Salvi found an opening from 25-yards out nailed a ball to the top right corner for a 1-0 Watertown lead. Twelve minutes later Foley struck again with an assist from Anker to make it 2-0.
Melrose got a break when a deep ball took a big hop and put goal keeper Chapron in a difficult spot. He came out a smidge late and Melrose was able to head it in to an empty net. But 7 minutes later Watertown’s lead was two goals again when the Raiders were awarded a penalty shot. Galvin took the penalty shot and buried it top corner right side, advantage Watertown, 3-1.
But the second half, and a potential lull gave the Raiders pause. When Watertown came out flat and Melrose scored on a penalty shot of it’s own, Watertown looked vulnerable. But you-know-who (Foley) potted his fourth of the night with 19 minutes left to give Watertown a two-goal cushion once again. Watertown regained its aggressiveness with this goal, and were not threatened again. Final score on Watertown soccer night Watertown 4, Melrose 2. Beyond the starters, Watertown got solid play from Alves, Barseghyan, Tonyan, Casey and Coronado off the bench.
Watertown moves to 4-0-5 on the season, undefeated after nine games, and ready to hit the road again with a Tuesday September 30 matchup at Reading and then a break till the following Monday and a game at Stoneham on Oct. 6. Watertown has lofty goals in 2025, and nine games in they are living the dream!!
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Scoring Summary
1st Half
34:40… Watertown 1 Melrose 0… Gavin Foley from Jaoquin Salvi
22:14… Watertown 2 Melrose 0… Gavin Foley from Aidan Anker
15:50… Watertown 2 Melrose 1
8:36… Watertown 3 Melrose 1… Gavin Foley, Penalty Shot
2nd Half
34:04… Watertown 3 Melrose 2… Penalty Shot
18:45… Watertown 4 Melrose 2… Gavin Foley
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1 2 F
Melrose 1 1 2
Watertown 3 1 4