By Andrew Preston and Conner Adams
The Trevecca Nazarene University men’s soccer team lost 3-2 Saturday night to
Salem International.
The loss was tough as their conference opponent from West Virginia eliminated them last year in the post season.
The loss puts Trevecca at 3-4 (2-2) on the year while Salem improves to 4-2 (2-1).
Coming off a dramatic comeback win against Ohio Valley University last Tuesday, Trevecca has now lost its last three matches.
After an uneventful first half Saturday, the first goal was scored by Salem player Mohamed Ali Khalaf with the assist by Samir Anzil at 52:12 in the second half.
It took Trevecca nearly 10 minutes to respond, but they scored the equalizing goal at 62:27 on a corner kick from Jordan Gilmore, that bounced off the head of one of Salem’s own players.
From there on it was all Salem.
Midfielder Javier Ruiz scored an unassisted goal along with his teammate Alejandro De la Macorra within five minutes of each other.
“You sit there and try and read the kicker, but in the end, it’s all a matter of chance,” said Daniel Mudd, Trojan goalie.
Trevecca countered with nearly three minutes of action left with a penalty kick made by Ryan Hogan, but it was too late. Salem hung on and won the game 3-2.
Trevecca Men’s soccer head coach Danny Leavy said his team did their best to adjust to Salem’s physical style of play.
“We just weren’t able to play our style of play with them beating us up all game,” he said. We didn’t get our result, but are heading to Cedarville Wednesday and we’ll try to get on the right track.”
Both teams fought a close match with nearly even game stats.
In total, Salem International had 12 shots, three saves, and 15 fouls.
Treveccs shot 11 times and had five saves and nine fouls.
Trevecca left today for a five-game road trip starting at Cedarville University.
The Trojans will return to Trevecca Soccer Complex nearly a month from now on Oct. 17 to face Cedarville again on their home turf.
