‘WIN’ CHILL: Buzzer-beating goal ignites Salem’s big district win
Salem’s boys soccer team held a precariously narrow 2-1 lead over Livonia Churchill as the final seconds ticked down in the first half of Monday night’s Division 1 district semifinal match against Livonia Churchill.
As fans — most bundled up in heavy coats and blankets due to the blustery weather conditions — started heading to the concession stand for a halftime snack (which probably included hot chocolate), senior Marcel Jackson gave the Rocks an unexpected treat as he lasered a shot into the top shelf of the goal, just inside the far post from 20 yards out to extend Salem’s lead to 3-1 with 1 tick left on the clock.
The momentum-seizing goal, which was directed straight into the setting sun, proved to be the catalyst for a huge second-half blitz by the Rocks, who ran away with a 6-2 victory over the Chargers.
Salem advanced to Wednesday’s 7 p.m. district final against Canton, which upended No. 1 seed Plymouth, 2-0, in Monday’s second semifinal on the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park’s west turf field.
(To check out video highlights of Monday’s game, click here.)
Cobras peaking at right time
The Cobras scored two second-half goals by Zac Pavlik and Nathan Gilmour to edge the Wildcats, who were ranked ninth in Division 1 in the final Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association poll.
The final is expected to be compelling as both P-CEP rivals split their two regular season meetings by identical 3-2 scores.
It appeared Salem was going to earn a no-sweat triumph early on as goals by Anteneh Berhan (off a rebound) and Sachiin Kumar, who somehow booted the ball into the back of the net while being fouled by a Charger defender, gave the Rocks a 2-0 advantage just 21 minutes into the contest.
Churchill hung tough, though, as Benji Cook got behind the Salem defense before unleashing a scorching left-footed shot past Salem’s diving goal-keeper Cooper Austin to cut the Chargers’ deficit in half, 2-1.
Action Jackson
Jackson’s goal proved to be as effective as a gallon of hot chocolate, however, as the Rocks poured it on in the second half when Jackson scored again 38 seconds into the segment, giving him two net-finders in a span of just 39 seconds.
Salem senior Bryan Baker stretched the winners’ lead to 5-1 with 27 minutes remaining in the game before Kumar’s no-doubter penalty kick made it 6-1 with just under eight minutes on the clock.
The victory improved Salem’s record to 11-9-2 heading into Wednesday’s final, which will be played on the P-CEP’s east turf field.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.