Salesianum overwhelms Archmere for 3-1 soccer win

By
Mike Lang, Dialog Reporter
-
890

Dialog reporter

 

WILMINGTON – Ryan Sholes’ first-half goal from about 40 yards out was enough for the top-ranked team in Delaware as host Salesianum defeated Archmere, 3-1, Tuesday afternoon in nonconference boys soccer. The Sals broke open the 3-0 game midway through the second half with two goals in two minutes for the victory.

This header by Salesianum's Thomas McGrail (13) was knocked away, although the Sals' freshman would score later in the game vs. Archmere. (The Dialog/Mike Lang)
This header by Salesianum’s Thomas McGrail (13) was knocked away, although the Sals’ freshman would score later in the game vs. Archmere. (The Dialog/Mike Lang)

Sholes struck with the unassisted tally in the 32nd minute. The junior midfielder was on the move toward the net, with several teammates in front of him when he lofted a shot from about 40 yards away. The ball arced high over the outstretched right arm of Auks keeper Blake Parker and into the net.

Sholes’ goal came after a first half that featured several chances for both teams. Salesianum controlled the play early on, but it was the Auks who got the first real chance when Liam Delaney found himself closing in on Sals goalkeeper Gavin Campbell in the 22nd minute. Campbell dove left to stone Delaney, and the match remained scoreless. The game moved along at a brisk pace as few fouls were called. Delaney had another chance in the 28th minute, this time watching as Campbell slipped but was able to get his hands on the ball as it neared the goal line.

Brendan Hanrahan sends this cross toward the Auks' goal. (The Dialog/Mike Lang)
Brendan Hanrahan sends this cross toward the Auks’ goal. (The Dialog/Mike Lang)

Parker was equal to the task, allowing just the one goal. His play featured a stop of a header from Thomas McGrail and punching a corner kick out of the crease. The half ended with the Sals’ lone goal.

Midway through the second half, Salesianum’s relentless pressure paid off. First, Bryan Hartmann took a nice pass from McGrail to the right of Parker and buried it in the 61st minute. Two minutes later, Jason Blackwell launched a corner kick, and this time McGrail’s header was true for a 3-0 Sallies lead. Archmere foiled Campbell’s shutout bid with a goal a few minutes later, as Zach Dainton converted an assist from Delaney. It was just the second goal allowed by Salesianum in eight games against in-state opponents this season.

Salesianum (10-3-1) will be off until next Tuesday, when Middletown visits for a 4 p.m. start in the regular-season finale. The Auks (9-5) wraps up their regular season next Tuesday on the road at Charter at 3:30 p.m.

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