BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Salem University men's soccer dropped a hard-fought conference clash at home on Wednesday evening, falling 5-0 to visiting University of Charleston (WV) at The Bridge.
The Tigers came out with high energy in the opening minutes, going toe-to-toe with the Golden Eagles in a physical, defensive battle. Salem created early pressure in the 10th minute when Arokya Shrestha uncorked a low shot targeted for the bottom right corner, forcing Charleston goalkeeper Luka Felix into an early save.
At the other end of the pitch, Salem keeper Gregory Lynch was instrumental in keeping the match deadlocked throughout the opening period. Lynch produced three first-half saves—including key stops on back-to-back Charleston chances—to anchor the defense and send both teams into the break tied 0-0.
The Golden Eagles finally managed to break through ten minutes into the second stanza, taking the lead on a 56th-minute strike by Tomas Petrungaro. Charleston extended its margin eight minutes later when Caio Moraes netted a goal in the 64th minute.
Salem continued to battle for answer, pushing forward into the attacking third. Forward Jordan Johnson generated a look in the 63rd minute with a right-side strike that sailed just wide. However, the Golden Eagles' back line held firm against Salem's late pushes.
Charleston added late scores from Eduardo Rodrigues in the 79th minute and a pair of final-minute goals from Martin Echarren to secure the final margin.
Lynch delivered a relentless effort in net for the Green and White, finishing the night with six saves against 19 total shots faced. Salem's attack generated four corner kicks on the night, all coming during a aggressive first-half offensive stretch.
