SALEM, W. Va. -- Salem International scored four unanswered goals in the first 26 minutes on its way to a 9-0 shutout win over the University of Pikeville men's soccer team on Thursday afternoon.
Javier Ruiz, who finished with four goals, completed a hat-trick in 24 minutes with goals in the 2nd, 22nd and 24th minutes. After taking a 5-0 lead into halftime, Dom Gillespie provided the final score of the game in the 78th minute off a cross from Marcelo Pachelo.
Pachelo finished with a game-high two assists, while Ruiz added a single assists to his four-goal showing.
UPIKE was outshot 30-2, including a 20-0 advantage in shots on goal, allowing Salem International (1-0) keeper Elliot Cook to tally a shutout without having to make a save, Tait Torstenson collected 11 saves for the Bears.
The two Bear shots were taken by Jerry Okoro and David Azcunaga, attempting one in each half. Ruiz paced Salem International with five shots, placing all five on target.
Bear Standout: Jerry Okoro fired one of UPIKE's two shots on the day, giving him a team high three attempts on the season.
Visitor Standout: Javier Ruiz (4 goals, 1 assist, 5 shots, 5 SOG)
Game Notes
· This was UPIKE's first meeting with Salem International since losing 1-0 on the road in 2012.
· Salem International is the first of a three-game road swing for the Bears, continuing against Hiwassee on Saturday and the MSC opener against Georgetown on Sept. 12. UPIKE's next home game is on Sept. 15 against Asbury.
Up Next: at Hiwassee, 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 5, Madisonville, Tenn.
#GOBEARS
