Charleston Wins Regional Soccer Opener at Effingham

In opening round play of the Class 2A Effingham Soccer Regional, top-seeded Charleston scored one goal and that was enough in edging Salem 1-0 Tuesday evening.

The Trojans' Reece Bell headed in Taylor Garrett's corner kick early in the contest and that lead held the rest of the way. Charleston had a total of 27 shots, 15 on goal. Salem's goalkeeper Jacob Maxey had 14 saves.

Fourth-seeded Salem ended the season at 6-15-1. Charleston moves into the championship game with an 11-8 record. Charleston had beaten the Wildcats 7-0 in Apollo Conference action earlier in the season.

Charleston will now meet either Effingham or Mattoon in the title contest at 3 p.m. Saturday. The Hearts, seeded second, face third-seeded Mattoon today at 4 p.m. EHS is 10-7-3 on the season while Mattoon is 11-8-2.