Plymouth, Salem battle to dramatic 1-1 draw (see photos and game story here)
Salem’s Aubrey Krischano almost cashed in on this first-half scoring chance.
The Plymouth-Canton Educational Park campus was the epicenter of excellence for Michigan high school girls soccer Thursday night.
On two pitches separated only by a baseball field, four of the top teams in the premier Kensington Lakes Activities Association’s West Division squared off in a pair of down-to-the-wire thrillers.
The results — a dramatic 1-1 draw featuring Plymouth and Salem; and Canton’s 4-3 victory over Novi — created a logjam atop the division standings, which are topped by Salem and Canton, who share 2-0-1 records.
Plymouth displayed contender DNA against the Rocks, rebounding from a 1-0 halftime deficit to earn a tie.
Rousing rally
The Wildcats nearly pulled off a wild rally in the final 20 minutes (the P-CEP varsity turf field scoreboard was not functional, so exact times are not available) when sophomore Emma Johnson broke free down the middle of the field and fired a net-seeking laser that Salem keeper Morganne Jones managed to corral.
Salem opened the scoring when Lauren Driscoll’s textbook corner kick was headed into the back of the net by Elaine Rama, who maneuvered through a traffic jam in front of Plymouth keeper Grace Cheetam.
Much like her counterpart Jones, Cheetam was brilliant throughout the windy, chilly night, registering a pair of diving saves.
The Wildcats drew even roughly 10 minutes into the second half when Plymouth star Kendall Elmy knocked home a slick crossing pass from Reagan Fluharty, who had eluded Salem’s defense by Usain Bolt-ing down the right sideline.
Chiefs hang on for win
Salem sophomore Aubrey Krischano didn’t figure in the scoring, but she was a force to be reckoned with throughout the contest, displaying top-shelf wheels and stellar dribbling skills.
On the P-CEP grass field, Canton exploded to a 4-1 lead before hanging on for dear life against Novi.
The Chiefs’ goals were registered by Scarlett Nuechterlein (two), Ava Murphy and Alexis Pickerel.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
