ELKINS, West Virginia – After a brief homestand, the Salem women’s soccer team hit the road this evening to face off with the Senators of Davis and Elkins College. While Salem did net an improbable goal, it would not be enough to come away with the victory as the Tigers fell to Senators 8-1.
The first half started off with Salem trying to establish their usual defensive style of play. However, the Senators were able to find the vulnerabilities in the Salem backline, and they exploited them well towards 4 first half goals. Salem was able to gain some control of the ball towards the end of the half, but the Tigers went into the intermission with a tough comeback bid needed for the second half.
In that second half, Salem found one break that gave the Tigers hope. Shortly after the Senators pushed the lead up to 5, Salem had a free kick from just past the half field line. Goalkeeper Sarah Cabrera came out of her defensive half to take the kick for the Tigers in an effort to put all 10 field players towards playing the ball in the box. However, Cabrera’s kick flew past her teammates and right at the Senators goalie, who mishandled it as it crossed the endline for a Salem goal.
That would be the only Salem goal on the day unfortunately, and the Senators controlled the match the rest of the way to their 8-1 home victory.
While certainly not the scoreline the Tigers faithful wished for, Salem did have some bright spots on the scoresheet. Sarah Cabrera added both a goal and 7 saves to the team’s effort tonight, an exceedingly rare feat for a goalkeeper. Salem also got some strong play from Natalia Avalos and Marina Cher in the match.
While certainly not the scoreline anyone hoped for, Salem will have a chance to get back on track at home on October 1st at 1 PM when they play host to the Glenville State Pioneers at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
