Vikings Sail Past Lasers

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State Men's Soccer started their 2022 campaign this evening when they welcomed Lasell College from Newton, Massachusetts. The Vikings secured their first win of the season after responding with 3 unanswered goals to take the 3-1 victory over the Lasers.

Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.), Dylan Senra (Dartmouth, Mass.), and Patrick Filetti (Newburyport, Mass.) each netted one goal apiece for the Vikings, while Walsh also added in a helper in the victory.  

After being denied twice by Viking's keeper, Matt Hauntsman (Milford, N.H.), the Lasers were able to draw first blood after Elisio Nascimento (Pawtucket, R.I.) converted a free kick to give his team the 1-0 advantage with 21 minutes to play in the half. The Vikings answered back when Brendan Walsh found the back of the net evening the score at one, which would last through the half.

The Vikings started the second half strong when senior captain Dylan Senra snuck one past the Laser's goalie in the opening minute to give Salem State a slight edge. Teammate Patrick Filetti got in on the fun when he netted one of his own off a pass from Walsh, to give the Vikings the 3-1 tilt with 25 minutes to play. This would prove to be enough, as the Vikings went on to take the 3-1 victory over the Lasers.

Hauntsman ended with 5 saves while his counterpart Antonio Centracchi (Springfield, Mass.) stopped 12 shots. Salem State finished the game with a 19-7 lead in shots and a 10-1 advantage in corners.   

The Vikings have a quick turnaround as they host the Lyons of Wheaton College on Saturday, September 3, for a 1:00 p.m. start.