ROAD TO STILLWATER: SALVO SC

Written By:  Ryan Wood

Photos By:  Tori Burnett

It would appear that the road to Stillwater, Okla. may have just recently been paved for Salvo Soccer Club after a pair of thrilling playoff victories secured its spot in the 2023 WPSL National Semifinals, but talk to General Manager Matthew Cross and you’ll see how that road has been under construction and steadily building since 2019.
 

“Salvo SC has grown tremendously over the last four years, not only in WPSL but in our other areas of competition as well,” Cross said. “By now, you have seen our Girls Academy youth players rise to the standard of the WPSL game. This, if not anything else, is a clear indication of the growth of the club and the programs within Salvo SC that develop players to read and understand the game at the elite level and hold their own in this environment despite age.”

A prime example of that occurred just last week as incoming high school senior goalkeeper Ayden Gagner made what turned out to be a decisive save in a penalty shootout that set up the winning PK by Bella Meier (University of St. Thomas). The performance helped Salvo SC outlast FC Milwaukee Torrent in the regional semifinal that was decided 7-6 in penalties after the 0-0 regulation and extra time result.

Photo by Tori Burnett

Less than 24 hours later, Gagner and Salvo did what many thought was the unthinkable – overthrowing the nationally ranked number one team in the WPSL, Colorado Rapids Women. The Rapids Women knocked Salvo SC out of the WPSL Playoffs a year ago.

“Ayden was lights out in her performance against [FC] Milwaukee Torrent and Colorado Rapids [Women], she has been a member of our Girls Academy program from its onset,” Cross said. “Standout characteristics of Ayden have been composure under pressure and the ability to step up and make big saves in highly competitive situations. She showed that in our last two games, and we have nothing but trust and faith in her ability to carry this team to the end.”

Gagner took over for Payton Cahill (Wake Forest), whom Cross says has been instrumental for the team, when she suffered an injury earlier this season after an impressive start that yielded 5 shutouts in June alone.

“She [Cahill] has been a critical player in the success of the team this season and has helped pave the way for a younger player to step into her role and shine,” Cross said.

Salvo’s Girls Academy teachings and structure have created the foundation that its WPSL squad pulls from, which has only allowed three goes this season.

“The formation, cues for action, and overall buy-in from the players have been significant when it comes to our ability to prevent opponents from finding their way to the back of the net,” Cross said. “We have been really intentional in how we have taught our players to defend in our younger age groups and it has been a true ‘full circle’ to see that same intention within the game come to light on the WPSL field and in that enhanced level of play.”

At the other end of the field, Salvo has benefitted from two-time WPSL All-Conference selection Khyah Harper (University of Minnesota), who Cross describes as a “truly top-notch player.” The gifted forward from Lino Lakes, Minn., has 12 goals and six assists in 2023, including both goals in Salvo’s win over Colorado that sent the side to the national semifinals in Stillwater.

Photo by Tori Burnett

“There is no way around the fact that Khyah Harper is an incredibly special player,” Cross said. “She has consistently risen in moments where the team has needed her to do so and has been a great example of fulfilling her role on the field.”

An advantage for Salvo has been its depth of attack which Cross says is an “incredible team effort.” While Harper has, in fact, accounted for a third of Salvo’s goals this season, there are eight other players with two goals or more, including Meredith Haakensen (University of Michigan), who has four goals and two assists, Sophia Boman (University of Minnesota – four goals and one assist), Katelyn Beulke (South Dakota State University – three goals, five assists), and Ansley Atkinston (Creighton University – three goals).

“We have seen a number of other players rise to the occasion and find the back of the net, but overall, what anyone that has been following has seen is a group of young women who have committed to each other and to themselves to see this season through with their best and maximum effort,” Cross said. “Honestly, this is a really special team, and it is hard to put words to such an incredible group.”

This is Salvo Soccer Club’s fourth season in the WPSL, and after posting a 6-2-3 mark in its debut season in 2019, Salvo went 4-3-3 in 2021 and 8-1-0 a year ago. The club brings an 8-0-2 record to Stillwater after dominating its Northern Conference schedule and a pair of playoff wins. During the regular season, five of its six wins were shutouts, including clean-sheet wins over St. Croix Soccer Club, Joy AC, Mankato United, Manitou FC, and Rochester United FC.

“Each individual on this team has made the decision to buy into what the overall goal of the season is - a national title,” Cross said. “We have a group of players that have played at the highest levels available to them throughout their careers. The unique aspect of this specific team is that the women that are on this roster have committed to each other, committed to themselves, and committed to the vision of the coaching staff to align goals and an intention to battle for a common goal.”

Now, just two wins away from hoisting the coveted Jerry Zanelli Cup trophy, Salvo Soccer Club could make history for the Minnesota club.

“I knew this team was special from the onset when the culture was developed,” Cross said. “The Final 4 became a really clear reality when we arrived in Milwaukee (for playoffs). It’s been a fun journey, but the goal now is to win a National Championship with this group.”

Salvo Soccer Club takes on SC Del Sol (11 a.m. CT) on Saturday, July 22 in Stillwater, Okla. Rhode Island Rogues faces Charlotte Eagles in the other semifinal. Sunday’s National Championship game is slated for 7 PM CDT on Sunday, July 23.