The Salem High boys soccer team got off to a slow start and dropped a 4-0 decision to Blacksburg at Spartan Field Tuesday.

Salem trailed 3-0 20 minutes into the match. The Spartans played better the rest of the way but it was too big a hole to dig out of against a strong team like the Bruins.

“We just didn’t come to play,” said coach Dean Jones. “Brayden(Salem keeper Meadow) had 12 saves and it could have been worse if hadn’t played so well.”

With the loss Salem dropped to 4-6-4 on the season. The Spartans are battling Pulaski County for the final region playoff spot and tonight’s home game with Cave Spring is important. The Cougars have one more win that Salem but the Spartans make up for that with their four ties, including a 1-1 at Pulaski last Thursday. Drew Benne scored Salem’s only goal and Meadow stuffed a penalty kick to preserve the tie.

Last Friday Salem scored two late goals for a 4-2 win over Hidden Valley at Spartan Field. Salem went up 2-0 early on goals by Benne and Alec Mowry.

The Titans rallied to tie the game, but Salem Mowry found Noah Turner for a header and Salem regained the lead at 3-2. Elliot Hall then scored an insurance goal for a big win for the Salemites.