OH, HENRY! Maitland’s hat trick propels ‘Cats past Wayne
Plymouth’s MJ Roberts battles Wayne’s Garrett Bousley-Crane for possession Wednesday night in an MHSAA District game.
Playing against a skilled Wayne Memorial team that is far from a push-over, Plymouth’s soccer team displayed its post-season potential — and some pretty slick dance moves — in its 6-1 victory over the Zebras Wednesday night in an MHSAA district-opening match played on the P-CEP west turf field.
Senior Henry Maitland was the Wildcats’ catalyst, scoring three goals and displaying some moves following his first net-finder that may put him on the radar for the next season of “Dancing With The Stars”.
Even more entertaining than Maitland’s dance moves was the Wildcats’ second goal with 19:45 remaining in the first half: a highlight-reel special that featured Simon Sherman threading a through-ball past the Zebras’ backline and onto the foot of Eli Ring, who one-timed a perfectly-placed shot past Wayne keeper Emmanuel Marquez-Jimenez.
(Check out a video of Henry Maitland’s first goal and cool celebration by clicking here.)
Zebras didn’t quit
Undaunted, Wayne chopped its deficit in half, 2-1, when Omar Hernandez Zuniga struck gold with the visitors’ only goal.
Plymouth closed the first half with a goal from sophomore Harry Jackson, who banged home a rebound from the doorstep off a corner kick.
(Check out Henry Jackson’s goal by clicking here.)
The Wildcats dominated the second half behind air-tight defense and goals from Maitland (two) and Ayden Carino.
Although Marquez-Jimenez yielded a half dozen goals, he played well, making two diving first-half stops that were jaw-dropping impressive.
Wayne center-back Garrett Bousley-Crane also shined in a losing effort.
Unsung heroes
Plymouth mid-fielder Brendon Burkett was a force throughout the contest as was Mariano Serapiglia, who anchored the winners’ backline.
The Wildcats’ victory sets up a compelling final four in the district hosted by P-CEP.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m., Canton will tangle with Plymouth for a spot in the district final. The other semifinal (set for 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at P-CEP) will feature Salem, which knocked off Livonia Franklin 5-0 Wednesday night, against the winner of Friday’s match between Westland John Glenn and Dearborn Heights Crestwood.
The district final is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
