Salem’s 7-0 rout sets up classic district final showdown with Canton
Salem senior Isabelle Prantera propels the ball toward the goal box during Wednesday’s 7-0 victory over Westland John Glenn.
Tonight’s Canton-vs.-Salem MHSAA Division 1 district final is destined to be a classic.
Both teams’ rosters are dotted by next-level talent and the programs are among the most-consistently high-performing in high school soccer over the past two decades.
Two other noteworthy statistics: The Cobras have a whopping 17 seniors on their roster while the Rocks have played one of the four most-difficult schedules of any other team in Division 1 this season.
While Canton advanced to tonight’s 6 p.m. district championship game on the P-CEP’s west turf field with a nail-biting 2-1 triumph over a stellar Plymouth squad, the Rocks moved on with a convincing 7-0 win over Westland John Glenn.
Slow start, powerful finish
It took the Rocks a little while longer than most people anticipated to break the scoring ice against the Rockets, taking the lead for good 18 minutes in on a Lauren Fowler goal that was preceded by a move the junior forward made that would have made Trinity Rodman proud.
Salem stretched its lead to 2-0 late in the first half when sophomore Adeline Jones juked a Rocket defender near the end line and threaded a centering pass to junior Becca Berry, who headed the ball into the back of the net.
John Glenn stayed close thanks largely to the play of sophomore keeper Niyla Perez, who turned away multiple Salem golden scoring opportunities with athletic stops.
The scoring avalanche expected from the Rocks was ignited 32 seconds into the second half on a goal off the right foot of Alex L’Heureux that upped the winners’ lead to 3-0.
Time to roll
Twelve minutes later, Saginaw Valley State University commit Cali Schwartzenberger’s line-shot goal just inside the right post from 12 yards out made it 4-0.
Salem freshman Stella Stotz, who was recently promoted from the JV team, displayed her unlimited scoring potential when she tallied back-to-back goals, the first of which was assisted by Ayla Moran.
Moran capped the scoring with an impressive goal in the game’s waning moments.
Junior keeper Addilyn Messer registered the shutout.
In the only regular-season match-up between Canton and Salem, the Rocks prevailed 2-0 on April 29.
The winner of tonight’s game will advance to Tuesday’s 7 p.m. regional semifinal at Dearborn High School against either the host Pioneers or Grosse Pointe South.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
