NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 19) – Sophomore Alejandro De la Macorra (Mexico City, Mexico/Colegio Vista Hermosa) converted a penalty kick in the 77th minute to clinch a 3-2 victory over Trevecca Nazarene in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play Saturday night.
 
The win improves the Salem International University men's soccer team to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Meanwhile, the Trojans fall to 2-2 in the G-MAC, 3-4 overall.
 
Following a scoreless first half, the Tigers finally broke through with a goal in the 52nd minute when sophomore Mohamed Ali Khalaf (Jabriya, Kuwait/Jabriya Indian School) found the back of the net off of a pass from junior Samir Anzil.
 
The game was evened up 10 minutes later when the Tigers let in an own-goal to tie the match, but Salem International reclaimed the lead quickly when senior Javier Ruiz (Mexico City, Mexico/Universidad del Valle de Mexico) scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season to put the Tigers up 2-1 in the 72nd minute.  
 
Salem International notched the eventual game-winner five minutes later when De la Macorra converted a penalty-kick to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead with less than 13 minutes remaining in regulation. The Trojans netted a penalty-kick of their own in the 87th minute, but the Tigers managed to fend off any late attack to preserve the victory.
 
Senior goalkeeper Elliot Cook (Nottingham, England/South Nottinghamshire Academy) made a pair of saves in the win.
 
The Tigers held a slight edge in shots (12-to-11), including an eight-to-five edge in shots on goal. Trevecca attempted six corner kicks in the match, compared to four attempted by Salem International.
 
The Tigers continue G-MAC play on Thursday, Sept. 24 when they head to Elkins, West Virginia to take on Davis & Elkins. The match, which will follow the women's match, is set to begin around 4 p.m.