BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia - Despite the occasional rain showers that covered most of north central West Virginia this afternoon, the Salem Tigers men's soccer team played host to the Frostburg State Bobcats for a mid-afternoon bash at The Bridge Sports Complex. It was a tightly contested game throughout, and the Tigers were able to ride a Aldair Cardenas hat trick to a exciting 3-2 home victory. 

In the first half, Salem got into some trouble early when Frostburg State drew first blood about 15 minutes into the contest. Salem battled right back and knotted things up quickly with the first Aldair Cardenas goal off of a Josue Villegas assist a few short minutes later. Then, a Frostburg State collision put the Tigers at the penalty spot, and Cardenas punched in his second goal of the day. From there, a defensive battle ensued for the rest of the half, and the Tigers went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

For the second half, the game remained close as the Bobcats kicked up their offensive intensity, and the Salem backline held firm in response for most of the period. The fireworks got going late in the period, however. Frostburg State added a goal to tie things up again at 2-2 with about 10 minutes to go. Salem shifted quickly towards the offensive side of the game, and found their edge one more time about 5 minutes later. Aldair Cardenas played the hero with one more goal off of a Ricardo Gellgo Curto pass that completed the hat trick for Cardenas and gave Salem the edge they needed to seal the 3-2 victory. 

Obviously, on the stats sheet, Salem was led by Cardenas' career day with all 3 Tiger goals. Josue Villegas and Ricardo Gallego Curto each added assists for Salem. In goal, Josh Hills had a solid day with 3 saves. 

Salem will take the next weekend off from play ahead of their next contest. That game will be at home against the Wheeling Cardinals on October 23rd at 2:30 PM at The Bridge Sports Complex in Bridgeport, West Virginia.