Site: Danville, Va.

Score: Averett 2, Salem 1

Records: Salem (2-1-0) / Averett (2-0-1)

Up Next: Salem vs. Johnson & Wales (Saturday, Sept. 10)

DANVILLE, Va.— Salem's Ashley Linden netted her fourth goal of the 2022 season, but it was the combination of a goal from Celia de Diego and an own goal by the Spirits that allowed Averett to prevail with a 2-1 victory when the two teams collided at Campbell Stadium in Danville, Va., on Thursday evening.

Averett grabbed the early 1-0 advantage in the 12th minute when de Diego drove home a pass from teammate Katri Kakko. The Cougars took advantage of a Salem miscue in the 67th minute, which resulted in an own goal, after a miscommunication between the Spirit players allowed the ball to reach the back of the net.

Linden put the Spirits on the board in the 88th minute, coming through with an unassisted goal to slice the margin in half. It was one of three shots on goal by Linden, who accounted for all shots on goal by the Salem offense in the contest. Teammate Darilyn Nieto had a team-high four shots for the Spirits, who finished with eight in the match.

Salem's Jordan Tomberlin finished with two saves, facing four shots on goal by the Cougars. Averett attempted seven shots total in the match, including three from de Diego and two off the foot of Remy Vigouroux.

SALEM NOTES

• The Spirits are 4-6-0 all-time in their series with Averett, including a 0-4-0 mark on the road.
• Salem committed just four fouls in the match, all coming in the second half.
• Linden surpasses her 2021 totals in goals and points, which resulted in three goals and seven points, through her first three matches in 2022 (four goals / eight points).