Vikings Open Season With 4-0 Shutout Over Lasell

NEWTON, Mass. -- Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.) scored twice in his first start for the Vikings to help lead Salem State to a 4-0 victory over the Lasell Lasers in the season opener for both squads on Friday afternoon at Taylor Field. Senior keeper Jonathan Chasse (Haverhill, Mass.) posted his second career shutout, making seven saves in the win. The Vikings have outscored Lasell 7-1 in the past two openers the teams have played against each other. 

Xavier opened the scoring, taking a feed from Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.) in the 12th minute. The junior made it 2-0 in favor of Salem State just over five minutes later with his second goal of the first half before Aaron O'Toole (Quincey, Mass.) added his first of the season in the 24th minute as the Vikings built a comfortable 3-0 halftime lead. Salem State held a 9-4 advantage in shots.  

Walaeddine Hounane (Salem, N.H.) connected for Salem State's fourth goal in the 66th minute, as he directed a pass from Jair Alvarez  (Lynn, Mass.) past keeper Antonio Centracchio (Springfield, Mass.). The defense led by senior Dylan Senra (Dartmouth, Mass.) held Lasell to just two first half shots on goal and only eight for the game.

Freshman Matt Ferreira (Salem, N.H.) saw time in net for the Vikings, making a save on his only chance late in the second half.

Salem State gets right back into it tomorrow when they travel to Suffolk to take on the Rams at 1:00 pm.