Oliveira’s Hat Trick Downs RCSJ-Cumberland

Pedricktown, NJ. – The Salem Community College men's soccer team picked up their first win of the season beating RCSJ-Cumberland, 5-4 in a back and forth battle.

Patrick Oliveira dominated the front line for the Mighty Oaks earning a hat trick scoring 3 goals against the Dukes from Cumberland.

Salem got on the board early, with the first of Oliveira's goals less than ten minutes into the contest. Jardel Sinclair picked up the assist on the goal.  Sinclair continued with the offense for the Mighty Oaks with a goal of his own with just thirteen minutes left in the half. Salem went into the half with a 2-0 lead.

RCSJ got the scoring started in the second half with their first goal of the contest less than ten minutes into the half narrowing the margin to 2-1. Oliveira answered back with his second goal extending the Salem lead to 3-1. Cumberland cut into the lead with a penalty kick narrowing the SCC lead to 3-2. Salem added another goal on their own penalty kick from Sinclair extending their lead to 4-2.

The Dukes continue to battle with a goal with seven minutes left in regulation pulling again within one goal. Oliveira finished the hat trick adding his third goal of the day making the score 5-3. With one second left in regulation RCSJ scored the final goal of the day making it a 5-4 final.

"Loved the energy from the fans today, looking forward to our next home game and hoping to have the same kind of crowd' said Mighty Oaks Head Coach Matt Murray. "We look to put on a better show defensively".

The Mighty Oaks continued their home stand when they will host the visiting Union County College. Kick off will be at 1:00 at the new home of the Mighty Oaks located at 10 Freed Road in Pedricktown.