BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — The Salem University men's soccer team remained perfect to start the 2026 season, earning a 2-1 victory over West Virginia Wesleyan Tuesday evening at Culpepper Stadium.
The Tigers improved to 2-0-0 on the season with a strong first-half performance, scoring twice before halftime and holding off a late Wesleyan push in the second half.
Salem struck first in the eighth minute when Arokya Shrestha found the back of the net at the 8:36 mark to give the Tigers an early 1-0 advantage.
Salem continued to pressure the Wesleyan defense and doubled its lead just before halftime. Jesse Hospedales scored in the 44th minute, sending the Tigers into the break with a 2-0 advantage.
The Tigers controlled much of the opening half despite Wesleyan holding a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks. Salem generated five shots during the opening 45 minutes while limiting the Bobcats to three.
West Virginia Wesleyan increased the pressure after halftime, but Salem goalkeeper Gregory Lynch came up with several important saves to protect the Tigers' lead. Lynch finished the night with three saves.
Salem continued to create opportunities of its own in the second half. Josue Villegas recorded three shots, including two on target, while Abdul Kabbany added two shots with one on frame. Villegas forced a save from the Wesleyan goalkeeper in the 67th minute and again in the 89th minute.
The Bobcats finally broke through in the 89th minute when Jake Hotka converted a penalty kick, cutting Salem's advantage to 2-1 with less than a minute remaining.
The Tigers finished the match with nine shots, placing five on goal, while Wesleyan recorded eight shots with four on target. Salem also earned six corner kicks and committed eight fouls compared to 15 for the Bobcats.
With the victory, Salem moves to 2-0-0 on the young season.
