Staff report
The formula that has put Salisbury’s boys soccer team among a select trio has enabled the Hornets to reach the final four.
Salisbury (17-4-1) will hit the road to face Shelby (18-2-2) tonight at 7 p.m. in the 2A Western final. The winner will meet either First Flight or Cardinal Gibbons in the 2A state title match Saturday morning.
Salisbury, First Flight and Jacksonville (3A) are the NCHSAA’s only three teams that haven’t given up a goal this postseason.
Senior keeper Frankie Cardelle has recorded shutouts against Forest Hills, South Iredell and Hibriten. He’s been helped by a back line of Alex Hunter, Will Mason, Sam Garner and Randy Almeida.
The Hornets have won three low-scoring games and gotten one goal apiece from Kenny Bonilla, Paul Kollie, Dustin Presnell and Hunter Fisher.
Shelby has enjoyed narrow victories against Patton (1-0), Wilkes Central (2-1) and Forbush (2-1) in the playoffs. Brandon Venable scored with three minutes left in the second overtime against Wilkes Central.
The Golden Lions fell to 2-2 with back-to-back losses against Mooresville (1-0) and Forestview (2-0). They are 16-0-2 in their last 18 matches.