Salem’s splendid season sidelined by high-flying Skyline
Salem and Skyline players battle for possession of the ball during Thursday’s MHSAA Division 1 girls soccer regional final game at Saline High School.
Considering both teams’ airtight defenses and ability to avoid game-changing mistakes, no one was surprised Thursday’s MHSAA Division 1 girls soccer regional final game featuring Salem and Ann Arbor Skyline was decided by one goal.
That one goal was delivered with 36 minutes and two seconds remaining by Skyline sophomore mid-fielder Adeline Guest, who steered the ball just inside the right post following a flurry of activity in front of the net.
The victory propelled the Eagles into Tuesday’s 6 p.m. semifinal clash against Troy and Rochester Hills Stoney Creek High School.
The Rocks’ remarkable season ended with a stellar 15-4-1 record.
Clean sheet for Wassef
Skyline senior keeper Kennedy Wassef wasn’t tested on a regular basis, but when she was, she answered the call.
A high, well-struck first-half Salem corner kick by Annabeth Hazelwood found the forehead of a teammate stationed about 12 yards in front of the net; however, as the ball rainbowed toward the net, Wassef snatched it a split second before Salem’s Aubrey Krischano could head it into the mesh.
A rising, searing shot by Salem’s Lauren Fowler from the left flank looked like it was headed into the top-upper shelf of the goal, just inside the right post, but Wassef leaped and batted it down with relative ease.
The Rocks’ absolute best chance to score never materialized.
Non-call benefits Eagles
Ten minutes into the second half, Krischano broke behind the Eagles’ defense and touched the ball toward the goal before she was clipped from behind by an Eagle defender.
As Salem fans yelled for a foul to be called, Krischano and the defender tumbled to the turf. No foul was called.
Skyline subbed often during the final 30 minutes, draining as much clock as possible.
Salem manufactured a few semi-dangerous possessions, but ultimately couldn’t solve the Eagles’ staunch defense.
The Rocks eliminated the Eagles two years ago, 1-0, in a regional semifinal game at Ypsilanti Lincoln High School. Salem won the regional before seeing its season ended in the semis.
