Walsh Goal Leads Vikings To Victory

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass. -- On Wednesday evening at Alumni Field, the Salem State Vikings defeated the Wheaton College Lyons 1-0. The win takes Salem State's record to 7-2-2, while the Wheaton record now stands at 2-3-5. The game started with a high level of competitiveness and tension, as both teams battled for control of the ball. In the opening fifteen minutes, Salem State's Landon Picillo (Warwick, R.I.) attempted to score, but unfortunately, his kick from 14 yards away missed the net. 

As the game progressed, the intensity only increased, with both teams making several attempts to score. In the 22nd minute, Alberto Franceschi (Caracas, Venezuela) kicked the ball, and it passed by Vikings goalkeeper Matt Hauntsman (Milford, N.H.), but Michael Flynn (Dedham, Mass.) was there to slide and kick it away to prevent the Lyons from scoring. Alasdair Ferrier (Concord, N.H.) also made a valiant effort to score, but Hauntsman blocked the ball in front of his face. Baden McLaughlin's (Yarmouth, Maine.) shot from 44 yards away hit the crossbar, leaving both teams still looking to score after the first 45 minutes of the game. 

In the second half, Wheaton began to put more pressure on the Vikings' zone, with Ferrier taking a free kick from 60 yards away that narrowly missed the post in the 50th minute. However, it was Salem State who scored first, with Kyle Lobao (Peabody, Mass.) passing from 50 yards to Brendan Walsh (Westfield, Mass.), making the score 1-0 at 53:34. The Lyons were down by one and were looking to tie the score, but Gavin Mahoney's (Carlsbad, Calif.) shot went wide. 

After the game, Walsh talked about his goal that proved to be the game-winner. "We switched on the ball and it went to Kyle, who served in near post and I went and got it and that's how we got it done."  

Wheaton had several opportunities to equalize the score, with Camje Easton-Smith (Hamilton, Bermuda.) kicking a free kick from 47 yards that hit the right side of the post. The referee's inconsistent decision-making throughout the game led to frustration and eventually heated tensions between the two teams, resulting in yellow cards being handed out. 

After the game, coach Correia expressed the referee bad calls that he was making throughout the game.  "He wasn't great, things happen in soccer games and we just got to fight through everything and our guys did exactly that tonight."  

Despite the pressure from the Lyons, Hauntsman saved all 10 shots throughout the game, while Housel saved 6 out of 7 shots. 

Walsh looked ahead as he talked about the next upcoming conference game against Bridgewater. "Bridgewater is another physical team that doesn't give up and the love to come back. I have to give them credit. There is going to be another big battle Saturday. Luckily, we are at home and I love to play at home." 

Salem State will be back at Alumni Field this Saturday, facing off against Bridgewater State at 2:00 p.m. Fans can expect another thrilling match as the Vikings look to continue their winning streak.