BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia - Back at the home field for Salem at the Bridgeport Sports Complex, the Tigers played host to the Wheeling Cardinals for a men's soccer contest. The Tigers defeated the Cardinals earlier this season on the road, but Wheeling got the better of Salem at home 2-1 today. The game played out as follows:

In the first half, neither team really controlled the game early on with both teams trading offensive runs fairly evenly. However, it was Wheeling who added two quick goals midway through the first half. Salem answered right back when Felipe Gonzalez Maldonado tipped in a goal past the Cardinal goalkeeper off of a Mauricio Aguillar Renovales cross from free kick. 

With the scoring flurry for both sides, the game then settled back into a hard fought back and forth with Salem trying for the equalizer. Despite some strong attempts, Salem would enter the break with the 2-1 deficit. 

In the second half, Salem kept the pressure on as they continued to pursue that second goal of the contest. However, the Cardinals defensive backline would not budge, and Salem dropped the home contest to Wheeling by a score of 2-1.

On the scoresheet, Salem was led by Maldonado and Renovales, who combined for the lone Tiger goal. Salem got some strong defensive play from Ionut Rares Gaspar and Ben Lam as well. In goal, Samuel Reyna-Farje added 4 saves to the Tiger's efforts on the day. 

The Tigers will be set for another rematch in their next contest as they head down south to take on the Charleston Golden Eagles on October 18th at 7 PM