The Salem Wildcats opened the 2026 soccer season in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, rallying from a halftime deficit to knock off Effingham 3-2 at the Salem Soccer Complex.
The victory extended Salem’s home winning streak to 17 games dating back to September of 2024, while marking the Wildcats’ 11th consecutive win at the Salem Soccer Complex since the facility opened at the beginning of last season.
Salem struck first when sophomore Kam Rasul found the back of the net, but Effingham answered with two goals to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
The Wildcats responded after the break.
Alex Spencer scored to pull Salem even, and Avery Gullion later delivered a beautiful cross into the box that Isaiah Findley headed home for the game-winning goal.
Sophomore goalkeeper Aiden Winterhalter came up with six saves in the victory.
For first-year Salem head coach Ben Carril, the comeback was a reflection of the team chemistry the Wildcats have been building throughout the preseason.
“I’m very happy with their performance,” Carril said. “I feel like we worked on team chemistry especially the past week to express how important it is to care for each other and lead by positivity on the pitch.”
Carril said the team’s upperclassmen have embraced that message, emphasizing encouragement rather than negativity.
He credited Payton Gullion, Avery Gullion, Nate Lowry and Alex Spencer with helping establish that mindset during the opener and keeping the Wildcats focused on the next play.
Carril was especially pleased with the defensive effort, pointing to what he believes could become a strong back four with Nate Lowry playing in the defensive midfield.
He also praised Winterhalter for his performance in his first varsity season as the Wildcats’ goalkeeper.
“Aiden Winterhalter — sophomore — held strong and had some critical saves,” Carril said. “The two goals were about out of his control as the scorers were a mere 5-8 yards away, one on one.”
Carril also singled out Lowry and Spencer for their leadership while adjusting to a new offensive system and helping younger players find their roles.
Findley earned plenty of praise as well after scoring the game-tying goal.
“He is a straight DOG the way he competes for every ball without fear,” Carril said. “That’s why he grabbed our game tying goal.”
The coach also highlighted Liam Shober, who played in the sweeper position and helped anchor the Wildcats defensively.
“Liam Shober was absolutely diabolical in our sweeper position,” Carril said. “Nobody could beat him.”
Carril believes Shober will be an important piece as Salem pursues its goal of competing for a conference championship.
The Wildcats also received strong play from captains Avery and Payton Gullion at the fullback positions.
Carril called the pair “unstoppable units,” praising their ability to cover the field, play with relentless energy and maintain a positive attitude.
Salem will look to build on Tuesday’s comeback when the Wildcats open play at the Greenville Tournament this afternoon against Pinckneyville. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:45 p.m.
The Salem JV followed the varsity match Tuesday night and played Effingham to a scoreless draw.
