RallyNorth.net

NASHUA - Salem's gameplan going into Wednesday's N.H. Division 1 state semifinal was simple enough, hang back on defense for the first half and don't let Concord's Chea Chebo get any shots.

The No. 3 seeded Blue Devils executed the first part of that plan to perfection, holding No. 7 Concord to just two shots before the break. The problem was, Chebo had one of those shots, and it was a staggering, deep bomb from more than 30 yards out, freezing the keeper before curling into the top left corner of the goal.

Tied with 11 minutes remaining, Walaeddine Hounane took a pass from Alex Heghinian and flicked it nicely over the goalies head to lift No. 3 Salem to a 2-1 win over Exeter in the Division 1 boys soccer quarterfinals. Anthony Bellomo made nine saves, and Khristian Karibian was the other Blue Devil goal-scorer.

Salem beat first-place Bedford, 1-0, on an Alex Heghinian PK two minutes into the second half. Josh Fichera earned the PK when he was hauled down in the box. Anthony Bellomo (10 saves) was brilliant in net and Walaeddine Hounane did a marvelous job attacking at center-mid. Salem iw now 11-2-1 and Bedford is 12-2.

Salem's Kyle Chute scored with 13 minutes to go in the game, and after two scoreless overtimes the Blue Devils and Londonderry tied 1-1. Luca Amerena scored for the Lancers in a game that lasted 100 minutes.

Salem boys soccer has been one of the area's biggest surprises this fall. The Blue Devils came into Saturday's showdown with unbeaten Timberlane with a shining 7-1 record, but many of those wins had come against teams with losing records. So when Salem fell behind 2-0 to Timberlane in the first 10 minutes yesterday, it wouldn't have been unreasonable to question whether the Blue Devils were a serious contender or just a paper tiger.

Well, Salem's answer came through loud and clear. These guys are for real.

The Salem boys soccer team bounced back from its first loss of the season to beat Bishop Guertin 2-0, improving the team's record to 7-1 going into Saturday's showdown with unbeaten Timberlane. Khristian Karibian and Adam Kurman scored in the win.

Josh Fichera scored in the 25th minute as Salem won its homecoming matchup with Pinkerton, 1-0. Lucas Moreno made a slick tackle and the Blue Devils (now 6-0) caught the visiting Astros off guard. 

Salem sophomore Walaebbine Hounane scored his first career goal to help the boys soccer team beat Winnacunnet 1-0. Salem is now a perfect 5-0 on the season.

Josh Fichera had a hat trick and Adam Kurman and Nick Sheedy each scored their first varsity goals as Salem blew out Spaulding 6-1. Keegan Whipple made his first varsity appearance in goal during the second half, helping Salem improve to a perfect 4-0.

Anthony Bellomo (4 saves) posted his third straight shutout and Josh Fichera scored twiceSalem as improved to 3-0, cruising past Nashua North, 3-0.