The Salem boys are still looking for their first soccer win after four tries. The Spartans are 0-3-1 after falling to a strong Patrick Henry team in Salem Tuesday night, 3-0.

“We played a very good team even for a half,” said Salem coach Dean Jones. “We had a couple letdowns, but we’re much better team than that 3-0 score would indicate.”

Salem keeper Brayden Meadow had seven saves and kept the Spartans in the game. PH outshot Salem 11-7 for the night.

The loss followed a heartbreaking defeat to Lord Botetourt at Spartan Field last Friday. After a scoreless first half on a very cold night, Salem took a 1-0 lead when Drew Benne got a nice throw in and Eliot Hall found Sahil Patel for a goal. That held up until the final minute when Lord Botetourt was able to tie the score. It was the second time in as many games the Cavaliers tied the score in the closing minute to deny Salem a win.

“You have to finish the game,” said Jones.

The game in Daleville finished in a tie, but this time LB got a 2-1 win when the Cavaliers scored with about 30 seconds remaining in the second overtime.

The loss kept Salem winless with one game remaining before spring break, tonight at home against Christiansburg. The Spartans are off next week but things won’t be any easier when they return, as they go to Hidden Valley on April 10 and then play at Blacksburg on April 13.

“We’re going to have to find some wins somewhere,” said Jones. “The region only takes eight. We’re a much better team than our record, but they go by the record and we need some wins.”