Staff report

SALISBURY — Salisbury’s always strong boys soccer team, state champs three times in the past half-dozen seasons, weathered a difficult stretch in late August and early September, scoring just two goals in a four-game span against 2A Central Carolina Conference opposition and dropping all four matches.

The turning point for a resurgence came on Sept. 13 in the form of a surprising 3-1 win against Ledford, one of the better teams in the league.

The Hornets have moved on well from the trauma of that 0-4 start in league play. After beating West Davidson, 2-0, on Monday at Ludwig Stadium, they’re 6-0-1 in their last seven league contests and climbing in the CCC standings. Salisbury  (7-5-2, 6-4-1) isn’t going to be able to get all the way back to the top where undefeated Central Davidson resides, but the Hornets have moved up to fourth place in a 10-team league.

Salisbury used goals from Juan Salazar and Melvin Bonilla within a span of nine minutes to win on Monday. Assists were credited to Bonilla and Tony Figueroa.

Salisbury’s defense, led by Will Austin, Jack Fisher, Pedro Cruz, Danny Tinajero and keeper Josh Faulkner, preserved the shutout for the home side. Cruz, an All-State player, returned from an injury last night.

Next up for the Hornets is a big contest against Lexington on Wednesday at Ludwig Stadium.

Third-place Lexington defeated Salisbury, 1-0, on Sept. 5 during the Hornets’ losing skid. Game times for Wednesday’s jayvee/varsity doubleheader are 5:30 and 7 p.m.