Endicott, Salem State Play to 1-1 Draw

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Beverly, Mass. - Salem State and Endicott ended up in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday afternoon at Hempstead Stadium. The Vikings record now stands 3-1-1 The Gulls go to 2-2-1.  

Before the game Coach Correia talked about how this game is going to be a litmus test against their cross-town opponent. "They are one of the best teams in the country. We scheduled this non-conference game to make us tougher, to make us better, and to prepare us for league play which is coming up on Friday night." 

Upon entering the game, the Vikings held a respectable sixth-place ranking in the week one regional rankings. The first six minutes of play saw both teams display impressive levels of determination and hard work. Endicott was aggressively attacking the zone, with Fisher Mills (Ridgefield, Conn.)  attempting a shot that soared above the crossbar.  

Fourteen minutes into the game, the Vikings were eager to strike first, as Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.)  made a shot attempt, but was rejected by the Gulls' defense.  

At the 18-minute mark, Endicott was awarded a free kick due to a foul committed by the Vikings. Joe Akisik (South Hadley, Mass.)  took the shot, but missed the goal.  

As the game progressed, there was still no score at Hempstead Stadium, with both teams fiercely attacking each other's zones.  

Just one minute later, the Gulls appeared to score, but the goal was waved off due to an offside call from the referee, keeping the score tied at zero.  

In the final five minutes of the first half, the Gulls had a promising opportunity to capitalize, but were unable to convert.

At halftime, both teams were still scoreless with Endicott and Salem State having had seven shots each.  

Coach Correia gave his thoughts about today's game. "Those are the two best teams in New England facing off against each other. It just happens that both of us are from the North Shore. That's a team that I have tons of respect for. We knew they were going to take it to us; it was a even match and the result was fitting."  

In the second half of the game, Endicott came out strong and determined, putting immense pressure on the Vikings' defense. Jonathan Chasse (Haverhill, Mass.), the Vikings' goalkeeper, made a spectacular save to prevent the Gulls from scoring. However, Endicott was not deterred and soon after, Max Karkos (Wethersfield, Conn.) broke the scoreless tie with a well-executed goal, assisted by Akisik. Tiago Frazao (Trumbull, Conn.) had a chance to increase the Gulls' lead, but his shot missed the target as Chasse collided with one of his teammates.     

With 25 minutes remaining on the clock, Xavier scored a breakaway goal, leaving him alone with the goalie, and the Vikings' bench erupted in celebration as Xavier himself was overjoyed. Despite both teams having opportunities to take the lead throughout the second half, the goalkeepers for both teams exhibited exceptional skill and prevented any further goals from being scored. 

Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.) after the game talked about how huge Xavier is for the Vikings' squad. "We brought him in to score goals. Coach always says big players play big in big games. So for him to score...,that's his fourth of the season that's a tying goal at Endicott and a game-winner against UMass- Dartmouth."  

As the rain began to pour down on Beverly, George Zuleta (Lowell, Mass.) had a chance to turn the tide in Salem State's favor with a beautifully executed shot. Unfortunately, he missed by inches, and the game remained tied at one-one. 

The Vikings will remain on the road as they will take on Fitchburg State for their first conference game of the season. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday.