Frank Stare scored twice in the second half as the Frostburg State University men’s soccer team defeated Salem, West Virginia, 3-1 in an MEC Tournament quarterfinal match Sunday in Frostburg, Maryland. Frostburg State overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to advance to the semifinals and improve to 8-4-6.
Salem opened the scoring through Noah Kostanian Urvik, who finished a chance assisted by Tommy Sowinski. Frostburg State answered with three goals after halftime, while Salem finished the season at 6-11-2.
Frank Stare leads Frostburg State comeback
Frostburg State tied the match with just over 20 minutes remaining when Christ Fopossi played a ball over the Salem defense. Salem goalkeeper Jason Barrientos missed on the clearance, allowing Stare to finish and make it 1-1.
Frostburg State moved ahead two minutes later. Fopossi delivered a free kick from 40 yards, and Abdallah Soulemana headed the ball past Barrientos to give Frostburg State a 2-1 lead. Fopossi assisted both of Frostburg State’s first two goals.
Stare added an insurance goal at the back post after a throw-in from Spencer Davis bounced in the box. The goal completed Stare’s two-goal performance and gave Frostburg State a two-goal advantage.
Frostburg State holds Salem to six shots
Frostburg State held a 27-6 advantage in shots and a 10-3 edge in shots on goal. The Bobcats continued to create chances after taking the lead and maintained control through the final whistle.
Salem had an opportunity to cut into the deficit after Stare’s second goal, but Frostburg State goalkeeper Josiah Emerson saved a penalty kick. Salem’s Jerrel Cooper was sent off during the ensuing sequence, leaving Salem with 10 players.
Frostburg State advances to MEC semifinals
Frostburg State will travel to Charleston, West Virginia, the South Division champion, for the MEC Tournament semifinals. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 4 p.m.
The victory moved Frostburg State past Salem after trailing at halftime. Stare scored twice, Soulemana added the go-ahead goal and Fopossi recorded two assists.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Frostburg State University men’s soccer team produced a decisive response after falling behind in the first half. Frostburg State’s 27-6 shot advantage and Emerson’s penalty kick save helped preserve the 3-1 quarterfinal victory and send the Bobcats to the MEC semifinals.
Source: Original report
