VASSALLO, ODUM LEAD MIDDLESEX MENS SOCCER TO SEASON-OPENING WIN OVER SALEM

Jayson Vassallo registered five saves and Jayden Odum netted the game's only goal as the Middlesex College Men's Soccer team opened the 2022 season with a 1-0 win over GSAC rival Salem Community College.

Odum (Freshman/Piscataway, NJ) took a pass from Allan Solomon (Freshman/Edison, NJ) inside the 18 and beat Salem's keeper at close range to give the Colts a 1-0 lead with 16 minutes remaining in the first half. 

Although Middlesex (1-0) threatened to extend the lead multiple times, including two blistering shots that sailed just high of the net in the second half, the Colts couldn't find a second goal.

Vassallo (Sophomore/South River, NJ) commanded a strong defensive effort by Middlesex that withstood a strong second half attack from the Mighty Oaks (0-1). Vassallo's most impressive save came six minutes into the second half when he stopped a low shot coming in from the left side.

Middlesex returns to action Saturday with a big early season matchup at Ocean County College. Ocean is coming off a 5-0 opening day win over RCSJ-Cumberland is was ranked #10 in the NJCAA Division III preseason poll. Gametime is set for 12:00pm.