Salem takes care of business against Howell with 5-0 win

 Salem takes care of business against Howell with 5-0 win

Grant Fletcher advances the ball during Thursday’s game against Howell.

It took a little longer for Salem’s soccer team to take flight Thursday night against winless Howell, but a Gold strike with 10 minutes and 40 seconds remaining in the first half sparked the Rocks’ ultimate 5-0 rout.

The victory improved second-place Salem’s KLAA West record to 5-2-1 (16 points) — three points behind front-runner 6-0-1 Northville (19 points). Teams earn three points for a victory and one for a tie.

The visiting Highlanders slipped to 0-7 in the division.

(To check out highlights from Thursday’s match, click here.)

Although the Rocks possessed the ball at a high rate during the opening 30 minutes, they couldn’t finish their attacks until senior Henry Gold hammered the ball into the back of the net 29:20 into the game.

A little cushion

Junior Jack Freeman gave the hosts some breathing room heading into the half when he knocked home a rebound 4:05 before intermission.

Salem senior Isaac Bomgaars leads an attack Thursday night against Howell
Salem senior Isaac Bomgaars leads an attack Thursday night against Howell

Two goals in 22 seconds by sophomore Chase Lieb doubled the Rocks’ advantage to 4-0 before senior Marcel Jackson capped the scoring with a slick right-footed laser from 15 yards out with 19:20 remaining in the contest.

Sophomore Peter Demetter earned the shutout in net for Salem.

Bryan Baker elevates for a header
Bryan Baker elevates for a header

Strong efforts were turned in by Bryan Baker, who banged a shot off the cross-bar in the first half, and junior Jacob Rider, who assisted on Lieb’s first goal.

Salem hosts Canton on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.

Ed Wright

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