ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, April 18, 1997 TAG: 9704180064
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM THE ROANOKE TIMES
Blacksburg takes the Blue Ridge District boys' soccer lead with its second victory of the season over Salem.
Just when Salem gets ahead of its old Blue Ridge District boys' soccer foes such as perennial power William Byrd, realignment puts Blacksburg in the league.
As tough as Byrd has been for Salem, Blacksburg has been tougher. Coming out of the old New River District, the Indians have replaced the Terriers as the Spartans' chief league tormentor.
For the second time this year, Blacksburg handed the Spartans a 1-0 loss, snapping a tie between the two teams for the Blue Ridge District lead Thursday night.
The Indians (7-1) start the second half of the district season with the knowledge that the Spartans (6-2) haven't scored on them in 160 minutes.
The second loss to Blacksburg was tougher for Salem. The Indians' goal came on a penalty kick by Philip Klaus late in the first half.
Officials ruled Blacksburg's John Davis had been tripped, and that set up Klaus in front of Salem goalie Jon McClure in a one-on-one situation. Too bad a penalty kick decided this game, because McClure's play was superb as he made seven saves to keep the Spartans in the game.
``I just went right and felt it was good,'' Klaus said of his shot.
``I didn't have an angle on it [the penalty call]. It's a hard way to lose a game,'' said Walt Braine, Salem's coach.
The Indians outshot Salem 12-5. Blacksburg goalie Randy Cross had to make only three saves, thanks to his teammates' defense.
The best example of Blacksburg's strength at the back came when Salem's David Jackson seemed to have split the defense as he neared the Indians' goal. However, Blacksburg's Richie Jackson caught up and never let Jackson get off a shot. It was Salem's last legitimate chance to tie the score.
The game's defensive orientation wasn't surprising. The combination of two of the area's better teams, along with windy conditions and temperatures in the low 40's, was enough to bog down the offensive efforts of both squads.
``As strong an attacking team as Salem is, I couldn't ask any more of our defenders. Our essential midfielders [Richie Jackson and B.J. Lafon] did a good job of controlling midfield play,'' said Shelley Blumenthal. Blacksburg's coach.
``They're a tough team,'' Braine said of the Indians. ``We played a little better the second half. We got away from our game plan in the first half.''
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB