BRIDGEPORT, West Virginia - After a big win at home last week and a short weekend hiatus, the Salem Tigers' men's soccer team was anxious to get back on their home field this afternoon at The Bridge Sports Complex. It was an offensive showcase for both squads, but it would be the Wheeling Cardinals who pulled out the 5-4 win. 

In the first half, it took each team some time to really find their flows offensively. Salem drew first blood though with a Abdul Kabbany goal in the 33rd minute. He was assisted by Ricardo Gallego Curto. Wheeling knotted things up with a penalty kick goal shortly before the break, and we went into the intermission with a tight 1-1 scoreline. 

For the second, Salem again jumped out to take control of the contest early. This time it was a long shot from Giancarlo Pardo that found the back of the net. Wheeling answered again with another penalty kick goal, and then the offensive fireworks truly got going. Salem took the lead again with a Ricardo Gallego Curto goal in the 73rd minute. Wheeling punched right back with a pair of goals in the 75th minute and the 82nd minute to put Salem down 4-3 late in the contest. The Tigers found an equalizer from Josue Villegas in the 87th minute, but it would be Wheeling who found the final offensive knockout punch with one last goal in the final minute of the contest to win 5-4 in full time. 

While Salem had to go home with a heartbreaking loss, there were still some bright spots on the score sheet. Ricardo Gallego Curto led Salem with a goal and 2 assists on the day. Abdual Kabbany added a goal and an assist as well. In goal, Josh Hills tallied 6 saves for the Tigers. 

Next up, Salem takes on West Liberty on the road on Sunday, October 27th at 3:30 PM.