The Salisbury boys soccer program is no stranger to the District 11 finals. The majority of the 2016 Falcons were a part of the team last year that fell just short of district gold when it lost to Northwestern. But the upperclassmen on the team, especially the seniors who have only one more opportunity at gold, are doing everything they can to accomplish that goal this season.

“It’s so important,” said senior forward James Hadinger. “I reminisce like last year and losing and it was the worst feeling. We want to get back there and get that win. Freshman year we had one and we lost that too. Two losses and we want to capitalize.”

The Falcons will be competing in the district final for the third time in the last four seasons. The program last won a championship in 2010.

Salisbury got back to the big game this season thanks to two goals each from Hadinger and junior Patrick Adams in taking down Notre Dame (Green Pond) 4-0 last Thursday evening at Northern Lehigh High School in the District 11 Class 2A semifinals.

Salisbury went on to play in Tuesday’s title game, which was played after Press deadlines. See next week’s edition for coverage.

Adams also had two assists in the semifinal win, and Hadinger added one, as the Falcons improved to 19-1-2 overall.

“We’ve grown to play so well together,” Hadinger said about his connection with Adams. “Him, me and Ethan [Heydt]. Our chemistry has been like pinpoint accurate. And we’re ready to keep going.”

Those three may be the ones score many of the Falcons’ goals, but head coach Mark Allinson has a plethora of talented players at his disposal.

“There’s been three, four players who have been moving our train forward,” said Allinson. “Obviously Patrick and James are a big part of that as are Ethan and Mason [Groff]. And our backs as well. We haven’t really surrendered too many goals this season. We’ve certainly been scoring a lot as well. I think if you’re able to take care of your opponent not getting any goals, you’re going to have a better chance of winning.”

Hadinger and Adams each scored a goal in both halves, and the Salisbury defense stood firm all game. Senior goalie Tyler Keller made eight saves to preserve the shutout for the Falcons. It was the 14th shutout this season for Salisbury.

All that stands between the Falcons and district gold is No. 2 seed Palisades (15-6 overall). The two teams met during the regular season on October 1, and Salisbury got the better end of the deal, winning 1-0.