MILLERSVILLE, Pennsylvania - With the long offseason preparations finally behind them, the Salem men's soccer team finally got its chance to open the 2025 fall campaign this afternoon with a tightly contested road match against the Marauders of Millersville University. It was neck and neck the whole way between the Tigers and their foes from the Keystone State, but it was ultimately a lone Marauders' goal that gave Millersville the game 1-0.

In the opening half, it became clear early on that offensive chances were going to be hard to come by for both squads. Both teams traded runs for the first 30 minutes, and neither could find the back of the net. Millersville broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, so the Tigers had to kick it into high gear in order to draw back level. The contest went into the half with that 1-0 scoreline, however. 

In the second half, Salem put everything they had into creating offensive chances but continued to be thwarted by a tough Millersville backline. CJ Branch, Aldair Cardenas Villamizar, and Caleb Christner all had solid shots for the Tigers, but Salem simply could not find the back of the net. Therefore, the Tigers were defeated 1-0. 

Despite the loss, Salem did get some solid offensive play from Max Cavanagh and Nicolas Del Gaudio. Jason Barrientos had a good showing in goal for the Tigers with 3 saves. 

Salem will be looking to bounce back after the loss when they return home for the first of a long string of home contests this weekend. The Point Park Pioneers are set to come to The Bridge Sports Complex on Sunday, September 7th at 2 PM for the Tigers' next contest.