WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem soccer team makes a quick return to Varsity Field on Thursday when it hosts crosstown rival Piedmont International at 4:30 p.m. as the Spirits look to improve to 5-1 in October.
Salem (8-5-1) has posted back-to-back wins against N.C. Wesleyan (3-1) and William Peace (2-1) in the last four days. The Spirits are in search of their longest winning streak of the season. It would mark the first time in head coach Octavia Saunders' tenure with Salem that the Spirits won three straight. The last time the Spirits posted at least three wins in a row was when they won eight straight between Sept. 23-Oct. 11.
On Tuesday afternoon, in the win over William Peace, Ellie Montes had the first two-goal match of her career and provided offensive punch that led the Spirits victory, which moved Salem to 8-5-1 overall and 4-2 in USA South Conference action. Jordan Tomberlin picked up her fourth win of the season for Salem in net, making three saves along the way.
Montes has now scored six goals on the season to go along with four assists, giving her a team-high 16 points. Tomberlin shares the team-lead in wins (four) with Hannah Wagner as the two Salem goalkeepers have combined for 50 saves (.685 save percentage) this season.
Piedmont International comes into the match with a 6-5-1 mark, posting a 3-2-1 record on the road. The Bruins have split their last six matches, including a 5-2 victory over Regent on Oct. 10, marking the last match for Piedmont International.
Cierra Josey leads the way for the Bruins' offense with 19 points, scoring six goals and contributing seven assists along the way. Ericka Washburn has started 11 games in goal for Piedmont International, logging 874:47 minutes, making 50 saves along the way.
For more information on Salem soccer check out www.salemspirits.com.