Lancers, Vikings Battle to 3-3 Tie

SALEM, Mass. -- Salem State and Worcester State battled to a 3-3 tie in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) match on Senior Day at Alumni Field. The Vikings are now 5-6-5 and 2-2-2 in the MASCAC. The Lancers go to 3-9-1 and 2-2-1 in conference. 

Salem State recognized seniors Vanilton Xavier (Brockton, Mass.), Alex Ixlaj-Tello (Lynn, Mass.), Aaron O'Toole (Quincy, Mass.), Erik Berg (Hadley, Mass.), James Meli , (Dracut, Mass.) and Chris Contreras (Holbrook, Mass.) for their contributions to the soccer program before their final regular season home game.   

How it Happened:

• Bryan Cavanaugh gave the visitors and early 1-0 lead, converting a penalty kick in the 8th minute.
• Later, back-to-back goals, setup by Vanilton Xavier, by Aaron O'Toole and Stephane Fevry less than a minute apart gave Salem State a 2-1 lead, which they carried into halftime.
• Gabriel DaSilva extended the lead for the Vikings, 3-1 in the 59th minute. 
• However, Mal Hawkins notched a pair of goals less than two minutes apart to tie the game at 3-3 as the two teams settled for the tie. 

 Inside the Numbers:

• Sergio Torrado stopped nine shots in goal for the Lancers.
• Erik Berg made 12 saves for Salem State.
• Worcester State held a 21-14 advantage in shots and 9-3 margin in corners.

Up Next:

Salem State caps the regular season next Saturday, November 2 when they travel to Westfield State for their conference finale. Game time is set for 12:00 pm.