Xavier Scores Twice in Vikings' 2-0 Win Over MCLA

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

Salem, Mass. -- On Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field, Salem State earned a shutout victory over MASCAC opponent, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) by a score of 2-0. The win improves the Vikings' record to 9-3-2, 4-1 in conference, while the Trailblazers slip to 4-6-1, 1-3-1.   

From the start, Salem State looked determined to take the lead, with Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.)  sprinting towards the net and taking shots early on, only to be denied by MCLA goalkeeper, Oliver Le Lacheur (Medford, Mass.). MCLA continued to press forward, with a Thomas Hickey (Mechanicville, NY) 45-yard kick that was saved by Salem State's goaltender, Matt Hauntsman (Milford, N.H.), preventing MCLA from taking the lead. 

Both teams displayed impressive competitiveness and aggression throughout the match, with attacks from both sides.  

After the game, coach Correia reflected on the competitiveness between these two teams. " It is a typical conference battle, both teams wanted to win, but fortunately we were the one that came out on top."  

Salem State finally got their breakthrough when Xavier scored a goal with a brilliant assist from Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.) 32 minutes into the game. 

After the game, Xavier talked about his first goal of the game. "I had a couple of chances early, I should've capitalized in the first 10 to 15 minutes (of the game) and I didn't get one. I missed another one and once I put the ball into the back of the net, I said finally."  

Despite having two corner-kick opportunities late in the first half, the Vikings were unable to add to their lead before halftime. 

In the second half, Salem State remained on the offensive, with Walsh kicking a free kick that resulted in a pileup of players from both teams near the Trailblazer zone. Despite the Vikings' best efforts, they were unable to extend their lead.  

Both teams continued to play well, with Salem State doing an excellent job of minimizing Trailblazer shots on goal. Reynaldo Castro (Pittsfield, Mass.) came close to tying the game, but his shot missed and Hauntsman attempted a diving save. Xavier then scored his second goal of the game in the 87th minute, beating Lacheur after a breakaway. 

After the game, the Brockton native talked about his second goal of the game, which put him atop the MASCAC leaderboard with seven. "The second goal was big for us because there was a minute left and they were having a little bit of momentum on their side. I was able to press a little harder, work a little harder and I was one one-on-one with the goalie and I was able to capitalized." 

Hauntsman saved five shots in the game to earn an impressive fifth shutout of the season While Le Lacheur saved 13. Salem State had an impressive 11 corner kicks compared to MCLA's one. Both teams had an equal amount of fouls with six.  

After the game coach Correia reflected on earning three additional points in the MASCAC standings. "It is big, we just wanted to make sure we get as many points as we can."  

Salem State will travel to Fisher College on Tuesday afternoon for their next match. Game time is at 4:00 p.m.