Salem Soccer finished out their 2025 campaign against the top-seeded Brevard College Tornados today in a 3-1 loss.

Salem's defense was tested early and often, facing off against nine shots in the first 13 minutes, with four of them saved by Michaela Iapaluccio. In the 15th minute, the first of four yellow cards awarded in the first half, followed soon after by another strong offensive push from Brevard, racking up five shots and three corner kicks. Their hard work paid off, pushing one past the defense in the 26th minute. Darilyn Nieto rallied to put up a shot on goal, but was saved by the Brevard goalkeeper. The Salem back line stayed strong throughout the rest of half one, forcing two offsides calls and continuing to hold off the Tornados aggressive strategy. 

Nieto, determined to give the Spirits a boost going into half two, fired a shot off just over a minute in. Keeping that momentum up, Salem secured a corner kick opportunity four minutes later. A beautiful ball in from Nieto set up a deflection right to Olivia Slayton at the top of the box. Taking a touch, Slayton sent in a banger to the bottom left corner, tying it up at 1-1. Brevard had an answer five minutes later, giving them back the lead. The rest of half two was a defensive battle, with neither team finding much offense. The Tornados were able to push one more through, putting the final score at 3-1. 

The Spirits entered the 2025 season projected to finish 10th in the USA South, and exceeded expectations with their 5-8-4 record and a place in the Conference Tournament.