The Salem High soccer team let another one slip away Tuesday night, and not because the Spartan Field turf was wet from rain. Salem missed a chance for a win when visiting Pulaski County scored in the last two minutes to earn a 2-2 tie.

It was the third time this year a team has scored in the final two minutes to deny Salem a win. The Spartans controlled the ball for most of the game and led, 1-0, at the half on a penalty kick goal by Alec Mowry after Rocky Palatos was tripped in the box.

Salem increased the lead to 2-0 in the second half on an unassisted goal by Palatos, and the Spartans seemed to be in control. However, the Cougars cut the lead in half with about 14 minutes on the clock, then scored a goal on a long shot in the final two minutes to tie the game. Neither team could score in overtime, although Salem had the better chances.

“It was a game we should have won,” said Salem coach Dean Jones. “I think we just lost concentration. We let some opportunities slip away and then we gave them that last goal.”

With the tie Salem is now 3-4-2 on the season and 3-2-1 in River Ridge District games.

“All our games have been close except one, the Blacksburg game,” said Jones.

Salem is back in action Friday with a game at Patrick Henry. Next week the Spartans have three games, including a trip to Eastern Montgomery High School on Tuesday to play Christiansburg as the Blue Demons’ home field is being renovated. A night later, on Wednesday, Salem will return the trip to Pulaski and next Friday, May 4, the Spartans will host Hidden Valley.