Defense reigns in bone-chilling Northville-Canton girls soccer showdown
Throughout Tuesday night’s KLAA West Division showdown between Canton and Northville, it rained, it poured … and nobody scored.
Although several players on both squads defied the conditions and played at a top-shelf level, the “Moist” Valuable Player of the match was probably Mother Nature, who was relentless from end line to end line (although she could use some work on her corner kicks).
The 0-0 result wasn’t surprising considering: 1) both teams’ defenses are expected to be among the best in the state in 2024; 2) the cold, wet weather was not conducive to high-octane offense; and 3) it’s so early in the season, neither the Mustangs nor Chiefs have had a chance to build goal-producing chemistry yet.
Wind-swept rain drenched the players during the first half, making scoring chances — like the popular 1970s song — precious and few.
To check out video highlights of Tuesday’s match, click here.
From downpour to mist
The conditions improved somewhat during the final 40 minutes as the pouring rain lessened to a non-stop mist; however, the bone-chilling wind (the temperature was in the low- to mid-40s throughout the game) persisted, making passes longer than 15 yards problematic.
Both teams’ goal-keepers — Northville’s Simran Magnan and Canton’s Julia Tasker — both did a fantastic job of securing the wet ball when the opposing team managed to organize anything close to a well-struck shot.
If there was a play of the game, it unfolded just under six minutes before halftime when Canton defender Sydney Bohn cleared a ball that appeared headed for the back of the net out of the box.
Tasker preserved her shutout with a slick, diving save of a dangerous Whitney Males shot 13 minutes into the second half.
Both teams had semi-decent chances to break the tie in the final minutes.
Late chances
A high, arching Canton free kick from close to 35 yards out with two minutes to play was embraced by Magnan near the right post as Canton forwards sprinted toward the net, anticipating a potential mishandling of the wet ball.
And with 20 ticks left, a Northville free kick from the right flank was punched out of harm’s way, all but ensuring the goal-less finale.
“It was a good game, a good battle,” said Northville Head Coach Jeannine Reddy. “We have a lot to work on, figuring out positions and organizing the team.
“For our first game, I thought we played a good, solid soccer game despite the weather. Everyone played pretty well under the circumstances. Defensively we were great all over, but we need to figure out how to put some goals on the board.”
The two rivals will meet again April 25 at Canton — hopefully, on a dry pitch under clear skies.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.