Cleat-less assist helps Salem soccer team tame Cougars, 4-1
Salem senior Amaia Onate looks for an open teammate.
Salem’s girls soccer team has picked up where it left off in 2024, winning its first two non-conference matches against quality opponents.
On April Fool’s Day, the Rocks proved they will be no joke in the wake of last season’s MHSAA Division 1 Final Four run, as they outplayed visiting South Lyon East, 4-1, to improve to 2-0.
Salem opened its season with a 3-2 triumph over Ann Arbor Pioneer.
Sportscenter Top 10-caliber goal
Tuesday’s victory was highlighted by a highlight-reel goal executed by a trio of Rocks: Cali Schwartzenberger, Aubrey Krischano and Ayla Moran.
With Salem holding on to a precarious 2-1 lead mid-way through the second half, Schwartzenberger slid a perfectly-placed through ball to Krischano, who was streaking down the left flank.
Krischano, despite losing one of her cleats following a semi-collision with SLE defender Natalie Henn, lasered a cleat-less left-footed shot toward the right post.
Moran finished the play with a one-timer from the doorstep before her momentum carried her into the back of the net with the ball.
Kendall seals the dubs
Salem solidified the victory with a late goal from sophomore Kendall Jaskolski.
Jaskolski also played a role in the Rocks’ first goal at the 16:58 mark of the first half. After securing a centering pass from Krischano, Jaskolski was fouled in the penalty box, setting up a successful PK from Schwartzenberger, who rifled a shot that East keeper Sarah Marsac was able to deflect — just not enough from keeping the ball from bouncing across the goal line.
Salem cushioned its lead to 2-0 eight minutes later on an outstanding effort from Peighton Wagner, who centered a pass in front of the net to Jaskolski, who pushed a pass to Adeline Jones.
Resilient Wagner
Jones was denied from close range by a diving effort from Marsac; however, the ever-alert Wagner pounced on the rebound and touched the ball into the top shelf of the unoccupied goal.
East’s Meredith Pagette kept things interesting with a goal 90 seconds later, cutting the visitors’ deficit to 2-1.
The Rocks dominated the second half and iced its victory cake with goals from Moran and Jaskolski.
Sophomore Avery VanWashennova made a bid for a fifth Salem goal, but her left-footed rocket from 15 yards out with 25 minutes to play was batted away by Marsac.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
