SALEM, MASS 10/3/12—The Salem State Vikings used a suffocating defense, and a three-goal outburst in the second half to defeat the Keene State Owl's 3-0 on a dreary Wednesday night under the lights at Alumni Field. Keene State (6-5)suffered its third consecutive loss and its second straight shutout setback. Salem State improves to 6-5-1.

Salem State had several scoring opportunities in the first half including a cross in front of the Owl's net that failed to reach the back of the goal, a free kick that sailed over the net, and a shot by Saimir Zepaj (Peabody, MA) in the box that was saved by the Owl's Mike Kitterman (Monson MA,) resulting in a 0-0 deadlock at halftime.

The Vikings started quickly in the second half with a goal by Salem State's Matt Figueiredo (Wilmington, MA) that was assisted by Erik Moreno (Lynn, MA) just thirty-nine seconds into the period. Eryk Fernandez (Nipomo, CA) immediately followed up with his team-leading ninth goal when he connected on a pass from Roman Duccotterd (Saint Clothide, Reunion Island) at the 47:17 mark. Later Salem State's Carlos Escobar (Malden, MA) rifled the ball into the back of the net off a penalty kick to put his team up 3-0.

The Owl's Kitterman saved one shot while the Vikings' Scott Hall (Waltham, MA) had four saves in the game. Malcolm Cheney (Hopkinton, MA) replaced Kitterman midway through the second half for Keene State (6-5) and made two saves.

Keene State will host Eastern Connecticut State in a key Little East Conference game on Saturday at 1:00 PM.

(Courtesy Salem State Sports Information)