Dialog reporter
WILMINGTON – Jack Leonard is new to Salesianum, but the freshman didn’t take long to write his name into the school’s storied soccer history. Leonard scored in the 78th minute of Thursday’s soccer showdown between Sallies, and the host, No. 2 Wilmington Charter, giving the top-ranked Sals a 2-1 victory.
Leonard’s goal came on a redirect of a pass from senior Tyler Morris, who entered the game with Leonard about eight minutes before the winning play. Morris sent a cross from the left of Charter goalkeeper Will Connolly into the crease, where Leonard was able to get his foot on the ball and cleanly past the outstretched arms of Connolly.
The tally came at the end of a second half during which the Sals had a number of near-misses, including one just two minutes before Leonard scored. On that play, senior Trevor Claire intercepted a pass and dribbled in on the Connolly, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar.
Salesianum outshot the Force, 18-5, and earned six corner shots to Charter’s two. Connolly had 10 saves, while his counterpart for the Sals, Gavin Campbell, recorded three stops.
Salesianum opened the scoring in the 24th minute off a free kick from the end line to the left of the keeper. The ball was sent through the 18-yard box, where senior Matt Vasco took possession. His shot handcuffed Connolly and went behind the keeper, and freshman Thomas McGrail finished for the 1-0 lead.
Before the Salesianum fans were done celebrating, however, Charter answered. Less than a minute after falling behind, the Force was on the board on a goal by Brian Shannon after the ball was freed in front of Campbell. The score would stay that way through a physical and chance-filled first half and nearly all of the more tightly played second half.
The Sals improved to 4-1-1 with the victory. They finally have a home game next time out, which is Tuesday at 4 p.m. vs. St. Elizabeth. Charter, which fell to 5-1, stays at home for a 3:30 p.m. start Tuesday vs. Malvern Prep.
