Alive and Kicking: South Soccer Prevails

One goal can make all the difference in the one-and-done format of the state high school playoffs.

girls soccer team's 1-0 regional semifinal victory over Canton on Wednesday evening at Dearborn Edsel Ford is evidence of this fact.

When South's Sarah Ventimiglia kicked the ball past Canton goaltender Kayla Bridges with just less than 9 minutes gone in the first half Wednesday evening, Blue Devils coach Gene Harkins knew that goal was huge for his team.

"It was real big for us to get that first goal," Harkins said. "We talked about it. We knew it was going to be a close game. We've been scoring goals this season, but our real strength is in the back, defensively. We're not going to let anything up. So, when we got that goal, and got that lead, that changed the game around for us completely."

The change played right into South's hands as the Devils are a strong defensive team.

"We knew we just couldn't allow a goal," the coach said. "So, we tightened it up defensively, and it wasn't pretty, but we just wanted to get the victory. That's what it's all about this time of year."

Leading the Blue Devils defensive charge is sophomore Claire Deboer.

The standout defenseman, along with the rest of the squad's backline, were stellar—thwarting any forward momentum the Chiefs tried to make, and frustrating  Canton throughout the contest.

"At the end it was really tight," Deboer said. "We really had to mark them as hard as we could and try to get to every ball and win it. It was tough, but we made it through."

South's victory keeps their state-title march alive and kicking—setting the stage for regional final against Ann Arbor Pioneer at 2 p.m. Saturday at Edsel.

"It's going to be a tough game," Deboer said of Saturday's matchup.

Harkins agrees.

"They're a good team," Harkins said. "I came in here thinking Canton, Pioneer and us were very similar teams. So, I think it's going to be a good game and a close game. I really do."