Salem Spirits Soccer Kick Off to the Season

By: Alaysia Williams 

Salem College’s soccer team began its 2025 season on Friday, Aug. 29, with a loss against Johnson & Wales University, the final score being 1-2. This season, the soccer team is once again under the lead of Deputy Athletic Director Robin Ramirez. Despite the loss, the team’s stats compared to last year are stronger than ever. The team ended last season with a total of 29 goals. And eight games into this season, they have accumulated a total of 21 goals so far.

Since the loss to Johnson & Wales University, our Spirits were able to bounce back with two ties while playing Averett University (3-3) and Agnes Scott College (2-2). In between those games, they won against Wesleyan College on Saturday, Sept. 6 (7-0). The next two games that followed were won by the Spirits, giving them a strong winning streak. Senior player, Darilyn Nieto (#11) has been titled “Player of the Week” two times this season with her record-breaking goals & great contributions to the team’s achievements. 

Salem College Soccer Team Huddle- Photo Credit: Avery Bissette  

Unfortunately, this winning streak would be broken when they played against Randolph College on Saturday, Sept. 20, the final score being 1-2. The Spirits were hit with another loss after facing Southern Virginia Saturday, Sept. 23. Goalkeeper Micheala Lapaluccio (#1) strived to revive the streak with a total of 12 saves this game; yet, the Knights were resilient in the battle against the Spirits and won the game 10-0.

Will the Spirits be able to push through future opponents? Watch out for their next home game against Brevard College, Wednesday, Oct. 15th!