What was supposed to be one of the most memorable days of the season quickly turned into one no one from Salem will ever forget.
The Salem 2014 SLYSA girls soccer team traveled to St. Louis on Sunday to be recognized during the St. Louis CITY2 match at Energizer Park, celebrating a championship season with teammates, coaches and families. Instead of leaving with memories centered around trophies and smiles, they left thankful they were simply going home together.
As the MLS NEXT Pro match between St. Louis CITY2 and Austin FC II neared its conclusion, gunfire erupted outside the stadium, sending thousands of fans scrambling for safety and bringing the evening to an abrupt end.
Among those caught in the chaos were the Salem players, their parents and coaches.
“Instead of simply celebrating an incredible season, we found ourselves running for safety after an active shooter began firing into the stadium,” one of the team’s coaches shared afterward.
For a group of young athletes who had spent months working toward a championship, the celebration instantly became something far more serious. Families rushed to stay together as stadium officials and law enforcement reacted to the unfolding situation.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred outside Energizer Park on 20th Street during the closing minutes of the match. Stadium personnel immediately instructed fans to shelter in place while police secured the area. Many spectators were directed into bathrooms and other protected locations as officers responded. The match was suspended, and after officials determined it was safe, fans were escorted from the stadium in an orderly evacuation.
Thankfully, everyone connected with the Salem team made it home safely.
“By the grace of God, every one of our players, families and coaches made it home safely,” the coach said. “We are beyond thankful for the first responders, stadium staff and everyone who acted quickly to help protect those in attendance.”
The coach also acknowledged that while no one from the team was physically injured, the emotional impact of the evening will likely linger.
“Our hearts are with everyone who was there, especially those who are struggling to process what happened,” the coach wrote. “While the trophies and awards will always be special, they pale in comparison to what truly matters: every child and every family getting home safely.”
Police quickly flooded the area surrounding the stadium, closed nearby streets and took suspects believed to be connected to the shooting into custody. The investigation remains ongoing.
For the Salem girls, Sunday’s trip was supposed to mark the end of a successful season. Instead, it became a sobering reminder that life’s biggest victories aren’t measured by medals or championships.
The awards they received will always represent a special season. But years from now, the memory that will matter most is that every player, every coach and every family member returned home safely.
Sometimes, that’s the only final score that matters.
