Thanks to artificial turf the Salem High soccer teams played their games Tuesday while every other sport was postponed due to heavy rains that drenched the valley for most of the day. The Salem boys defeated Christiansburg at Spartan Field, 2-1, while the girls won their game on Christiansburg’s fake grass, 2-0.
With the win the boys are now 10-5 overall and an even 5-5 in River Ridge District games. Anthony Rugama scored on a penalty kick for Salem and, after the Blue Demons tied the game, Logan Lavinder scored off a long assist from T.J. Fisher with about five minutes to play. Robert Herndon had eight saves in goal for Salem.
Last Friday on Hidden Valley’s real grass Bruce A. Mahan Field the Spartans took a 5-0 win over the host Titans to avenge a prior loss. Gavin Helms opened the scoring off a corner kick from Lavinder, then Logan scored the first of his three goals with an assist to Rugama. Logan scored his second on a free kick and Salem led 3-0 at the half.
After intermission Lavinder completed his hat trick off a turnover, and a goal by Rugama would put some icing on the cake with an assist from Brady Geary for the 5-0 final. Herndon got his first start in goal in this one and had seven saves for the shutout.
The girls hosted the Titans at Spartan Field last Friday and took a 2-1 win as Laikyn Funk scored both goals for the Salemites. The Spartans led 1-0 at the half but Hidden Valley was able to tie the game before Funk hit the winner late in the game.
“Another stellar performance from our goalkeeper, Karis Guy, who came up with multiple big saves for our team in this game,” said Salem coach Justin Applegate.
The Salem girls are now 9-6 overall and 4-6 in the district after Tuesday’s win. Funk and Aly Price had goals for Salem and Ashlyn Adkins had an assist as the girls shut out the Blue Demons to pick up a third straight win, including a forfeit win over GW-Danville last week.
“A few tough losses earlier this season have made our postseason path challenging,” said Applegate. “Our team is focused on taking it one day at a time, striving for success in every practice and game, with the goal of advancing to the regional playoffs after the regular season.”
The Salem boys were scheduled to play at Pulaski on Wednesday. Both teams play Patrick Henry Friday with the girls at PH and the boys at home.
Funk had both goals
in the girls win over
Hidden Valley.
PHOTOS BY BRIAN HOFFMAN
& EDMEE CR HASLER
