WILMINGTON — Salesianum’s offense went on the attack early and did not let up, and it resulted in a 3-1 boys soccer win over previously undefeated Caesar Rodney on Oct. 15 at Abessinio Stadium. It was just the second game of the season for the Sals against a Delaware opponent, with four more remaining before the postseason.
The Sals were aggressive from the opening tap, and that paid dividends before many fans had reached their seats. The Riders sent the ball back toward goalkeeper Grant Parsons as the clock started, but Chase Esser hustled downfield and was able to send it rolling over the goal line for a 1-0 lead just 30 seconds in.
That was the start of a busy evening for the Sals’ attackers. Parsons came up with a nice save high a minute after the goal, and a few shots missed wide. Sals keeper Thomas DeRosa stopped two Riders shots in the first 16 minutes.
Esser struck again in the 17th. After the second DeRosa save, Salesianum moved the ball to the other end. Esser set up high in the 18-yard box, where he was able to corral a crossing pass, move the ball to his left foot, turn and send a shot low to Parsons’ left.
Parsons stopped a shot in the opening minute of the second half, and he added saves on two Salesianum corner kicks. The Riders cut the Sals’ lead in half in the 50th, as Trevor Sullivan got some space in front of DeRosa and fired a shot high to the right side.
But the Sals got that goal back in just a few minutes. A corner kick was played into a crowd in front of Parsons, and before it could be cleared by CR, Dominic Gennusa was able to punch it in. Joseph Turtoro picked up the assist.
Sallies dominated after the last goad, earning a few more corners and nearly connecting on several shots. DeRosa came up with one big save, diving to stop a shot with approximately eight minutes remaining.
Salesianum finished with a 12-7 shot advantage and eight corner kicks to CR’s three. DeRosa had four saves. The Sals (5-4-1) have another tough opponent on Thursday, visiting Appoquinimink at 6 p.m.
For the Riders, Parsons had seven saves. Caesar Rodney (9-1-1) is back in New Castle County on Saturday, traveling to Tatnall for an 11 a.m. start.
Photos by Mike Lang.
