WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem soccer team returns to Varsity Field on Sunday, Sept. 22, to square off against former USA South Conference rival Ferrum at 2 p.m. It is the second of a three-match homestand for the Spirits, which includes clashes with Emory & Henry, Greensboro and the Panthers.
SPIRITS RIDING TWO-MATCH WINNING STREAK: The Salem soccer team earned a 2-0 victory over visiting Emory & Henry on Thursday, Sept. 19, and became the first Spirits unit to pitch back-to-back shutouts in two years. Salem, which entered the match fresh off a 1-0 victory at Brevard on Tuesday evening, has now won consecutive matches for the first time since downing N.C. Wesleyan (4-1) and Guilford (4-1) on Sept. 22 and 25, 2018, respectively.
The last time Salem recorded consecutive shutouts was in 2017, on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, against Greensboro (3-0) and William Peace (3-0), respectively. That unit strung together four shutouts between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, downing Chatham (Sept. 24), Methodist (Sept. 27), Greensboro (Sept. 30) and William Peace (Oct. 1) in succession.
Salem (4-3-0) was led in goal by senior Hannah Wagner, who made six saves over the course of the match, including four in the second half. Emory & Henry (1-4-1) attempted 11 shots total, along with a pair of corner kicks, but Wagner improved her record to 2-1-0 on the season with the victory.
The Spirits' offense came from the combination of Gina Franco and Rachel Black. Franco netted the first goal of her collegiate career in the second half when she drove a penalty kick past the Wasps Kaela Schlevensky at the 55:18 mark after a foul committed by Isabel Swafford.
ANALYZING THE STATISTICS: Through the first seven matches of the season Salem has scored 12 goals on 101 shots (57 shots on goal). The Spirits have complemented one another on the field throughout the course of the season, registering eight assists in those 12 strikes.
Ellie Montes leads all individuals in points (10) with four assists and three goals to her credit, while Madison Green and Baylee Greenwood have four points each, due to a pair of goals.
Hannah Wagner has anchored Salem in goal, logging 334:57 minutes while making 18 saves (.783 save percentage) in her three matches.
LOOKING AT FERRUM: The Panthers come into Sunday's meeting with Salem owning a 4-1 record, after winning three straight against Southern Virginia (Sept. 11), Maryville (Sept. 14) and Meredith (Sept. 18). Ferrum outscored its opposition 8-1 during that stretch with only Southern Virginia finding the back of net.
The Panthers has taken 59 shots this season, attempting 36 shots on goal, and scored 12 goals in the process. Junior Casey Raggett tops all individuals with 13 points, taking advantage of six goals and one assist, while teammate Frances Best is second with eight points (four assists, two goals).
Taylor Dodson is responsible for all four wins in net for Ferrum, making a team-best 15 saves in 327:06 minutes of play. Dodson owns a .938 save percentage and was in net for two shutouts.
For more information on Salem tennis check out www.salemspirits.com.