SU scores 10 goals in first round, ties 37-year old Division III record
SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury University men’s soccer team jumped out to an early five goal lead just 25 minutes into the match en route to a 10-0 shutout over The SUNY College at Old Westbury in the first round of the NCAA Division III men’s soccer tournament on Saturday before a crowd of 339 at the SU Soccer Complex.

Salisbury (16-4-1) was led by a hat trick from Capital Athletic Conference first-team midfielder Kyle Sterling, who netted a game-high three goals and six points. The sophomore scored just four minutes into the contest off a Ryan Chacon indirect free kick that bent just over the defender which Sterling headed home. His second score came just six minutes later when he settled an Andrew Henciak (three assists) throw-in just out side the top right corner before he pelted a bending left-footed missile that found the corner of the net to give the Gulls an early 2-0 lead.

Junior Romaine Bruney also had a big game for SU (two goals, one assist) highlighted by a diving scissor-kick goal assisted by a Zach Grubb header and a Henciak cross in the 23rd minute. Sophomore Alex Hargrove contributed a first half goal and two assists from the midfield position.

The Sea Gulls scored five second half goals paced by freshman Dave Corrigan who had one goal and one assist. Sophomore Chas Gray, freshmen Chris Finney and Casey Rector along with Bruney rounded out the second half scores for SU.

The Salisbury defense was once again incredible as sophomore Greg Wellinghoff (13-2) and senior Matt Blue combined for the team’s 15th shutout of the season while they only allowed three total shots (none on goal). The Gulls now sport a 12-0-1 home record with 11 home shutouts.

Salisbury racked up 31 total points as it added 11 assists on its 10 goals. The 10 goals by SU tied a NCAA Division III tournament record for the most goals scored in one game. Salisbury ties Westfield State who scored 10 against Coast Guard in 1974. The Sea Gull offense also outshot the Panthers by a 31-3 margin.

Old Westbury (12-4-1) made its first NCAA tournament appearance in school history as it won the Skyline Conference championship for the first-time ever. The Sea Gulls are making their seventh appearance in the tournament by way of wining their six CAC championship.

Salisbury moves on to play Virginia Wesleyan College tomorrow afternoon in a NCAA second round match at the SU Soccer Complex at 1 p.m. with the winner moving onto next week’s NCAA sectionals.