Men's Soccer Blanks Salem for First MASCAC Victory

Salem, Mass. – Freshman midfielder Gil Mendes (Framingham, MA) scored his second goal of the year early in the second half as the Framingham State University Rams held on to defeat the Salem State University Vikings 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) men's soccer match.

The win improves the Ram's record to 2-9 overall and 1-2 in the MASCAC, while Salem State slips to 1-2 in conference and 1-8 overall.

The first half was a tightly played game of possession that resulted in a 0-0 tie at intermission. Salem State's Samir Zepaj (Peabody, Mass.) and Conner Erickson (Hubbardston, Mass.) both had prime scoring chances just narrowly missing the mark to keep the game scoreless.

Salem State had a goal disallowed to start the second frame. A free kick awarded to the Vikings was rebounded in, but the goal was negated due to an offsides call.

The Rams finally broke through in the 48th minute when Mendes beat goalkeeper Nondas Kargakis (Heraklion, Greece) off an assist from junior Bryan DaSilva (Milford, Mass.). That would prove to be only goal necessary, as the Rams defense shutout Salem State the rest of the way.

Kargakis had four saves in the game while Framingham State's William Levitsky (Westford, Mass.) saved two shots en route to the victory.

Salem State's next game is at Nichols College on Wednesday at 4 p.m., while Framingham State plays at home on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. against Springfield College.

Release courtesy of SSU Sports Information.