Dialog reporter
HOCKESSIN – Salesianum’s soccer team had two challenges heading into their game on the afternoon of Sept. 22.
First, the Sals had not played since returning from a two-game trip to Colorado, where they split a pair against the top two teams from that state. Second, their initial opponent upon their return to Delaware was Charter School of Wilmington, the school Salesianum defeated last year in the state championship match and Delaware’s second-ranked team.
Salesianum was up to the task, owning possession and finding enough cracks in the Force defense to come up with a 2-0 win at Hockessin Soccer Club. The Sals improved to 4-1 and solidified their hold on the top spot in the state rankings.
“We were kind of nervous on how that loss (to Boulder (Colo.) High School) was going to affect us,” junior Gavin Ford said. “We got out there and didn’t make any mistakes.”
Neither offense showed much early, as the game was contested mainly in the middle of the field. Salesianum had most of the limited chances but could not penetrate the back line. Those opportunities included three corner kicks in succession, but the only shot the Sals could manage out of those sailed high over the net. Another shot, this one in the 23rd minute, was deflected by Charter’s Graeme Newcombe over the net.
Ford finally broke the stalemate in the 32nd minute. He took a pass from senior Jason Blackwell about 15 yards out and tucked his bending shot inside the left post, past Force keeper Ben McQuillin, who had little chance to stop it.
“I got a great ball from Jason and made a move on the defender and beat the goalie,” Ford said.
Early in the second half, Charter picked up its offense a bit. Salesianum goalkeeper Gavin Campbell grabbed his only save of the contest.
Ford was involved in the Sals’ second goal as well. In the 48th minute, he sent a cross from deep down the left side to the top of the 18-yard box, where senior James Strine was waiting. A Charter defender got a piece of Strine’s blast, but it went into the net for an own goal.
Salesianum had 12 shots, forcing McQuillin to make six saves. Three of those came in the final five minutes as the keeper kept the Force close. The Sals had seven corner kicks, while Charter managed one. Salesianum plays St. Elizabeth next Tuesday at Kirkwood Soccer Complex at 3:45 p.m. in its last game before three straight against out-of-state powers. Charter (4-1) suffered its first loss and allowed its first goals of the season. The Force also return to action Tuesday, traveling to Malvern Prep (Pa.) for a 6 p.m. start.
