A new chapter in Salem Wildcats boys soccer officially began Wednesday night as the program held its first-ever Green vs. White scrimmage under the lights at the Salem High School Soccer Complex.
The intrasquad matchup gave players, coaches and fans an early glimpse of the 2026 Wildcats as the team begins preparations for the upcoming season under first-year head coach Ben Carrill.
The Green squad edged the White team 6-5 in a fast-paced, high-scoring contest, but the final score was secondary to the opportunity for Carrill and his coaching staff to evaluate talent and begin shaping the team’s identity.
Salem enters the season with the challenge of replacing one of the program’s most successful senior classes in recent memory. Despite that turnover, the Wildcats return a core group of experienced leaders, with seniors Alex Spencer, Avery Gullion, Payton Gullion and Isaiah Findley expected to help guide a young roster.
Throughout the evening, Carrill rotated players through multiple positions while evaluating combinations and experimenting with different tactical approaches. The scrimmage also allowed younger players an opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for increased roles as the Wildcats look to build depth before the regular season begins.
The program has experienced steady growth over the past several years, and Carrill hopes to build on that momentum while developing the next generation of Wildcats. With several positions still up for grabs, Wednesday night’s scrimmage marked an important first step in determining the team’s lineup and style of play heading into the season.
While the Green squad claimed bragging rights with the 6-5 victory, the evening ultimately served its purpose by providing valuable game experience and setting the stage for what Salem hopes will be another successful season on the pitch.
