Men’s Soccer Scores Big Win Over RCSJ-Gloucester

Carneys Point, NJ – The Salem Community College men's soccer team scored on a penalty kick by Marcos Piao with just 29 seconds left in the first overtime period to defeat RCSJ-Gloucester at The Total Turf experience Monday afternoon.  The Mighty Oaks are working their way through a stretch of five matches in eight days. 

Salem opened up the scoring in the first half with a goal by Yorhan Martins at the 24:50 mark.  SCC went into the half with a 1 – 0 lead. The Roadrunners answered back in the second half with two goals to take a 2-1 lead.  With just 5:23 in regulation, the Mighty Oaks were able to respond on a goal by Alejandro Rivera while playing one man down. 

The two teams went back a forth for the last 5 minutes of play with both having quality chances on goal, but neither could get the edge, thus leading to the first overtime period.

Both teams battled through most of the overtime period.  With just 29 seconds remaining in the first overtime, Marcos Piao was awarded a penalty kick which he capitalized on with the game winner.

Mateus Lopes De Silva had a strong day between the pipes for the Mighty Oaks. The freshman goalkeeper allowed just 2 goals on 14 shots.

With the victory, Salem secures their spot in the post season in their first full season of play since the return of the program.

The significance of the win was no lost on Head Coach Matt Murray.

"This was a big win for the program," Murray said. "Gloucester is very organized and well coached. We are looking forward to the post season tournament."

The Mighty Oaks finish out their regular season with their final match, when they go on the road to face Northampton Community College Tuesday October 19.  Kickoff for that match will be at 3:00 on the campus of NCC.