Salem kicks it into first gear vs. Canton in SJ5K fundraiser match
Salem senior Lauren Fowler takes aim at the net during Tuesday’s 7-0 win against Canton. Fowler finished with three goals against the Cobras.
There were two winners during Tuesday’s ultra-cool fundraising girls soccer match featuring Canton and Salem — the SJ5K Foundation and the Rocks, who scored six second-half goals on the way to a 7-0 win over the Cobras.
Canton’s girls soccer program has annually hosted a feel-good fundraiser for the SJ5K — a charity that raises funds for local families who are facing daunting health crises.
While the Cobras and their parents didn’t have a lot to celebrate in regards to the final score, they can take comfort in knowing their efforts helped a worthwhile cause.
Feel-good fundraiser
In addition to a halftime penalty kick shootout that featured celebrity goal-keepers Bev Lardin and David Reed-Nordwall, the game raised money with a bake sale, raffle and other fun activities.
The Cobras made sure the game was a community event as they invited youth soccer players to walk out on the field with a varsity player during team introductions.
Salem secured a 1-0 halftime lead in the game’s 14th minute when Alex L’Heureux booted a close-range shot into the back of the net after teammate Annabeth Hazelwood’s perfectly struck corner kick came to rest at her feet.
It only took the Rocks 27 seconds to seize the second-half momentum thanks to the first of Lauren Fowler’s three goals that was assisted by Aubrey Krischano.
Rocks’ scoring avalanche
Three minutes later Salem scored again, triggering a goal avalanche that was ignited by two goals from Addy Jones and a single net-finder by Ashlyn Kuhn.
Salem mid-fielder Alik Yeremian played a huge role in the Rocks’ dominating performance as did defenders Sammie Bartell and Peighton Wagner.
Rock senior keeper Addy Messer handled every Canton shot with relative ease on the way to registering a clean sheet.
One of Canton’s highlights came in the second half when freshman keeper Logan Eiler stuffed a break-away opportunity by Krischano, who was dangerous throughout the match.
Cobra players wore green T-shirts before the game that promoted Sunday’s SJ5K, which is set for 8 a.m. The event will kick off at the P-CEP’s east turf stadium.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
