09/08/2026
When Isaiah Imig found the back of the net just 9 minutes into play Crusader fans knew the intensity of the match would turn into a thriller. And when Jefferson scored the equalizer just minutes later the tensions rose. But Crusader defenders quickly went to work shutting down the midfield drive by the challengers, and Salems offense turned up the power inside the 40yd mark. Miguel Sum-Siquina drilled a ball from 20 yds to put Salem back in command and Mathew Dumanovsky launched one past the Jefferson keeper two plays later to set his squad up 3-1. From there it was Crusader power that dominated the near end of the pitch with repeated attempts and superior hustle holding Jefferson defenders at bay. After the half attacks shifted to the box where Somto Nwaele scored on a header from a set piece driving the lead to 4-1, and bumped in another header on a corner kick to make it two in a row. As time ran down substitutions followed for the green and black putting fresh talent into the mix. But the pressure remained high, and shots on goal continued with taps to the box giving fans some great highlights. Two more well hit balls would find their way into the net for Salem before the final horn giving the Crusaders the 7-1 win. The finish puts the team at 1-0 in league play and puts them in the #3 position overall at 2-0-1. They travel to Pleasant Hill on the 11th and return to welcome La Pine on the 15th.
