Rockets Net Scoreless Tie In Matchup with Melrose

The Reading and Melrose high school boys soccer teams both walked away one point closer to the state tournament Thursday afternoon, after the matchup between the Rockets (0-3-1) and the visiting Red Raiders (2-1-1) ended in a scoreless tie. 

Reading Memorial High School head coach Dan McGrath thought his young team performed well and continues to show signs of improvement. 

"Our one-on-one defending was much better than it has been in the past. We were able to communicate better and figure out where our marks were," said McGrath. "Our possession offensively has been much better the past two games, as well, and we've also been possessing the ball a lot more." 

Melrose head coach Dean Serino wasn't overly thrilled with the scoreless tie, but pointed to uncontrollable factors that influenced the outcome. 

"The game was our (and Reading's) second game in three days, so we were going on just one day's worth of rest, which is kind of tough," said Serino. 

Melrose's Deslyn Pierrot and his brother, Frantzdy Pierrot, broke away from Reading's defense sporadically throughout the game, but neither got the ball past Reading goalkeeper Jeremy Battye.

"(The Pierrot brothers) played well," said Serino. "They are young, and I think their inexperience showed a bit today, but they work hard and love the game, and I know they will continue to get better."

Battye, a sophomore, registered multiple saves for the Rockets, and seems more comfortable at his post with every passing game.

"Jeremy had a very solid performance. I've been working with him the last couple weeks and he's learning the position very well," said Reading goalie coach Gary Oliveira. "He's becoming a leader and, since he can see the whole field, there has to be constant communication, and it all starts with Jeremy. He's becoming very vocal."

Reading co-captain Chris Welch had a solid defensive performance for the Rockets. He kept pace with Melrose's forwards and subverted many of the Red Raiders' offensive attacks. 

Melrose's defensive line also defended their goalie well, with Andrew Morgan, Ben Mack, Luke Patti and co-captain J.P. McCluskey all playing well. 

Next up, the Red Raiders will take on Stoneham Friday away at 6 p.m. The Rockets prepare to host Lexington, the defending league champions, Friday at 3:45 p.m.