Salem State Scores Late, Shuts Out Southern Vermont 2-0

Salem State Scores Late, Shuts Out Southern Vermont 2-0

SALEM, MASS. -- Felipe Montiel (Maracaibo, Venezuela) broke a scoreless tie in the 85th minute and Gabriel Meireles (Everett, Mass.) added another goal less than a minute later as Salem State pulled away late to claim a 2-0 victory over Southern Vermont in the opener for both teams on Friday evening at Alumni Field. The Vikings will face Curry College in the championship game of the two-day Salem State Tournament tomorrow at 4:00 PM. The Colonels, defeated Anna Maria 1-0 in overtime to advance.

The Vikings and Mountaineers entered halftime tied 0-0 despite Salem State holding a 10-0 advantage in shots. Southern Vermont played conservatively to slow the Vikings' attack, and prevented Salem State's talented forwards from gaining any space despite the home team's dominance in time of possession.

The Vikings had multiple opportunities to score the first goal, but Lee Dennis (Chocorua, N.H.) made a goal saving block to keep the game tied midway through the second half. Diego Uquillas (Erie, PA.) played well in net for the Mountaineers as the freshmen, despite facing 20 shots, kept Salem State off the scoreboard.

Finally, Montiel broke through as he slipped a shot past the diving Uquillas from five yards out for the first goal of the game. Meireles didn't waste anytime as he converted a pass from Joao DeSouza (Lowell, Mass.) just twenty-nine seconds later to ice the game.

Christopher Jimenez (Nashua, N.H.) earned the win in net for Salem State without facing a shot. Uquillas made eight saves in the game, as the Mountaineers were outshot 22-0 in the contest.

Southern Vermont will take on the AMCATS in the consolation match at 1:00 PM on Saturday with the championship game following at 4:00 PM.