Xavier's Goal Lifts Vikings Past Rams

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass.-  On Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field, the Salem State Vikings emerged victorious over the Framingham State Rams in a MASCAC battle between two ot the top teams in New England, by a score of 1-0. The Vikings improve their record to 5-2-1, 2-0, while the Rams slip to 4-3, 1-1. 

Prior to the game, coach Correia emphasized the importance of the match to his team. "I think it will play a big factor in determining home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, so the guys are ready and prepared for this game."   

The game was evenly matched, with both teams trading fouls in the early going. A missed headshot by Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.) off a pass from Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.) would have given the Vikings a 1-0 lead just 14 minutes into the game. Walaeddine Hounane (Salem, N.H.) had a near miss off a corner kick from Dylan Senra (Dartmouth, Mass), but the Vikings were unable to capitalize on their opportunities in the first half.  

At halftime, the game remained scoreless with both teams still looking for a breakthrough goal. The Vikings had outshot the Rams 7 to 4 on goal attempts.  

After the game, Coach Correia expressed how competitive both of these teams were. "Framingham State versus Salem State is always one of the most entertaining games of the season so we fully expected it to live up to the hype." 

Early in the second half, the Rams came out with a bit more aggression, while coach Correia grew increasingly animated on the bench, expressing his frustration with the referee.  

However, it was the Vikings who struck first, as Xavier scored the first goal of the game off a pass from Walsh, after a missed opportunity earlier in the game.  

Xavier talked about the goal after the game. "Coach Matt (Correia) always told me, 'big-time players played big in big-time games,' and I embrace all that. I embrace the pressure. It is expected for me to score in every game. I am capable of it and to get the win, 1-0, it wouldn't have happened without my teammates." 

Kunphel Sinha (Darjeeling, India) had a promising 25-foot kick saved by Matt Hauntsman (Milford, N.H.) at the 75-minute mark, while the Vikings were looking to tack on an insurance goal as the clock wound down. Hauntsman made another incredible save with just eight minutes left in the game to keep the Rams from scoring.  

The Vikings will remain at Alumni Field for their next game, taking on Gordon University at 7:00 P.M.