DRAMATIC DEBUT: Salem holds off Hartland in season opener
Salem’s Katie Parana (24) and Lauren Fowler (9) close in on the ball early in Thursday’s victory over Hartland.
Two Laurens and one gigantic team effort fueled the Salem girls soccer team to an intense 2-1 victory over visiting Hartland Thursday night.
Playing in frigid temperatures — just hours before the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park varsity stadium field was blanketed by 3 inches of snow — the Rocks were victorious in their season debut thanks to first-half goals by Lauren Fowler and Lauren Driscoll, along with plenty of defense and Dan Campbell-caliber grit.
Driscoll’s game-winning net-finder 15 minutes into the contest was especially heart-warming for those who follow Salem soccer as the senior missed her entire junior season with an injury.
Fowler, a sophomore forward, broke the match’s scoring ice less than two minutes in.
Quick equalizer
The hosts’ lead lasted less than a minute after Hartland sophomore Paige Sundman deposited the equalizer at the 37:24 mark.
To check out video highlights of Thursday’s game, click here.
The early goals-fest gradually evolved into a defensive struggle, with Driscoll’s slick scoring effort — while being blanketed by an Eagle defender 10 yards from the goal line — being the final scoreboard-changing play.
Salem senior keeper Morganne Jones was solid all night. Her most spectacular save unfolded with 13:29 remaining in the first half when she leapt high to tip away a rocket off the foot of Sundman.
After being diverted by Jones’ fingertips, the ball hit the cross-bar before falling in front of Jones.
Hartland keeper Jenna Brock made two solid saves that required her to go horizontal to turn away Salem scoring chances.
Play was crisp and, at times, physical, throughout the game as both teams displayed promising potential in the 28-degree weather.
Seeing red
Hartland played the final 6:27 without Head Coach Andrew Kartsounes was assessed a red card after vehemently disputing a non-call during an Eagle scoring threat.
With less than a minute on the scoreboard, Hartland sent a dangerous, potential match-deadlocking free kick toward Jones, who repelled the shot out of harm’s way.
Seconds later, the Rocks were celebrating a hard-earned triumph.
Salem was bolstered by strong defensive efforts from junior Cali Schwartzenberger and senior Addison Furlow.
A pair of Katies — Sarkesian and Parana — also sparkled for the Rocks, who are off until they return to action against Novi after next week’s Spring Break.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
