The Salem boys’ soccer team picked up their first win of the season last Thursday when the Spartans beat visiting Christiansburg at Spartan Field, 3-1.

“The 3-1 win was our first of the year and came at a very important time, right before spring break.” said Salem coach Dean Jones. “We ‘ve played good soccer for the first five games, but this was the first time we were rewarded with a win.”

Salem opened the scoring against the Blue Demons on a direct kick executed by Drew Benne, Alec Mowry and Sahil Patel. About five minutes into the game Drew had a kick on the left touchline.  He passed the ball to Alec, who was able to turn with the ball and face the Christiansburg defender.  As he was doing this, Drew made an overlapping run behind him toward the left corner.  Alec faked the defender out and sent a pass to the corner for Drew.  Drew touched the pass to bring it under control and then, with the second touch, sent a cross into the box where it met the head of Patel who put it away for our first goal.

Christiansburg tied the game prior to the half, but the second half saw midfielder Trenton Blais intercept a Christiansburg pass to their central midfielder, then dribble the ball just inside 25 yards of the opponent’s net.  Trenton unleashed a laser to the upper ninety right frame for Salem’s second goal of the game.

Finally, with 15 minutes left in the game, keeper Brayden Meadow punted a ball long to Eliot Hall down the left side.  The Christiansburg defender was intent on keeping Eliot from getting to the goal, so instead of going that route, Eliot pivoted turned toward the goal and hit a shot, once again upper ninety, right side of the frame and untouched the Christiansburg goalie.

“These were three of the best goals Salem has scored in any one game in several years,” said Jones.  “We have scored more goals per game and one or two better, but these were fine efforts by our team.”

Now 1-3-1, Salem will return to action April 10 at Hidden Valley.