Vikings Cruise Past Regis

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

WESTON, Mass.- Salem State defeated Regis College, 3-1 at Regis Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. The Vikings improve their record to 11-3-3 while the Pride slip to 6-10. 

Before the game, coach Correia had emphasized on how his team will keep the Pride's scoring at bay. Regis had been on a roll, having outscored their opponents 14 to 2 in their last 5 games. "We lead our league in goal against average defense, it's of our identity, so we are up for the challenge."  

The game started with the Pride on the attack with Jeremiah Frias (San Diego, Calif.) firing a shot high just five minutes into the match. However, the Vikings soon found their rhythm and started putting pressure on the Regis defense. Aaron O'Toole (Quincy, Mass.) almost scored but was denied by Regis goalkeeper Kyle Weidemann (Piscataway, N.J.). 

As the game progressed, both teams became more competitive, attacking each other's zones. Salem State drew first blood 20 minutes into the game, with Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.)  scoring on an assist from Brendan Walsh (Westford, Mass.).  

After the game coach Correia talked about scoring first against Regis. "We just worried about ourselves and knew if we played our game we would be fine."   

Regis tried to bounce back, with Federico Lavni-Ayalla (Weston, Fla.) aiming at the net, but his shot was blocked by two Vikings' players. 

Xavier nearly scored his second goal of the game within a span of five minutes, hitting the crossbar on a rebound. He had another chance to capitalize on the ball, but the shot went behind the net as Salem State was inches away from extending their lead. 

Xavier despite his two goal performance talked about his missed opportunities.  "After that happened I lost my cool a little bit. I knew it was going to hit the post but I didn't know how to react and honestly it is one my most frustrated moments all season…" 

Joey Davila (Bristol, Conn.) took a shot from about 40 yards out, but Salem State's goalkeeper Matt Hauntsman (Milford, N.H.)  saved it. Late into the first half, Walaeddine Hounane  (Salem, N.H.) scored, to increase the lead as he put one home from the left side. However, Regis quickly responded, with Sebastian Ortiz  (Carolina, P.R.) scoring 26 seconds later on an assist from Jacob Freitas (Dracut, Mass.).  

At halftime, Hauntsman had saved two of the three shots he faced, while Weidemann had saved one of three shots. Salem State had six fouls compared to Regis's one.  

After the game coach Correia expressed what he told his players during half time. "The message at the half was it was to close of the game and to make sure we put it away early in the second half." 

Caleb Russo (Brookfield, N.H.) replaced Weidemann as goalkeeper for Regis at the start of the second half. O'Toole  nearly scored , hitting the top of the net from a brilliant pass by Landon Picillo at the 51-minute mark. Xavier scored his second goal of the game just five minutes later, thanks to an unbelievable pass from Dylan Senra (Dartmouth, Mass.) that found Xavier, who beat Russo to make it 3 to 1. 

After the game Xavier talked about how he was able to score."The second goal Dylan passed me a good ball and I was able to use my body a little bit and turned. I just looked up to see the goalie in the wrong position and I just shot it." 

Hounane was inches away from scoring his second goal of the game as his shot hit the crossbar at the 61-minute mark. Salem State made a goalie substitution in the final six minutes of the game as Matt Ferriera  (Salem, N.H.) replaced Hauntsman. Hauntsman finished the night playing 84 minutes and saved 3 of 4 shots, while Ferriera had no shots to save in the game's final six minutes. Salem State had two corners compared to Regis's one. Salem State had seven fouls, while Regis had five. 

Salem State will finish the regular season in MASCAC action on Saturday afternoon against Westfield State at Alumni Field. Game time at 1:00 p.m.