Vikings Prevail 1-0 Over Southern Maine
Salem, MA—The Salem State University Vikings (1-2-1) edged the Huskies of Southern Maine, 1-0 Wednesday night under the lights at Alumni Field. Kelly Birchmore (Swampscott, MA) netted the only goal of the game midway through the second half to hand Salem State its first win of the season.
The Huskies' Katie Cobb (Lewiston, ME) kept the game scoreless with a diving save early on. The Vikings' Katelyn Krish (Rockland, MA) then crossed a ball right in front of the net, but Salem State could not convert in a half that saw limited scoring opportunities. Both teams continued with solid defense, and the half would end, tied at 0-0.
Amy Jose (Oakland, ME) had a close range chance in front of the net for Southern Maine (1-2-1) to begin the second half, but her shot sailed over the crossbar. The game remained deadlocked until Birchmore rifled in a shot in the 66th minute on an assist from Cecilia Cresta-Devine (Saugus, MA). Salem State controlled possession for the remainder of the half, as Vikings' net-minder Rachel Ledbetter (Dracut, MA) was not challenged by the Huskies' offense for the rest of the game.
Ledbetter made five saves for Salem State, and Cobb stopped two shots for Southern Maine.
The Vikings' next game is on Saturday at 12:00 at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The Huskies will play at home at 1:00 against UMass-Boston.
