Chiefs claim second straight District title with 4-1 victory

  Canton's soccer team overcame a gritty performance by underdog Westland John Glenn Saturday morning to earn its second straight Division 1 championship, 4-1, at Livonia Franklin High School.

  The Chiefs led from the get-go, lighting up the scoreboard 33 seconds in on a Nathan Bergeson header, but they couldn't shake the resilient Rockets until two late second-half goals gave them a comfortable three-goal advantage.

  The Chiefs will take an 18-3-2 record into Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. Regional semifinal contest against Ann Arbor Huron. The River Rats upended Dearborn, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon.

  Bergeson's ice-breaking goal was generated when Bobby Budlong's throw-in connected with Connor Furgason in the box. Bergeson deposited Furgason's rebound with the game's first goal.

  Canton nearly doubled its lead at the 9:30 mark of the first half, but Nathan Bergeson's chip shot from in front was redirected at the absolute last second by John Glenn defender Robert Hurst.

  The Chiefs' second goal came 2:58 before the intermission when senior captain Sean Balnaves knocked home a rebound of his own penalty kick past Rocket keeper Aleksander Isaevski, who made a brilliant save on the first try.

  The PK was set up when Canton's Phil Baciak was fouled in the box.

  John Glenn retaliated just over a minute later when Tyler Simpson's free kick from about 40 yards out deflected off a Canton defender and into the lower-left corner of the twine.

  Connor Shennan's blast from near mid-field sailed just high of the cross bar as the halftime horn sounded.

  Canton keeper Brandon Laabs' diving save subdued a potential game-tying Rocket free kick from 35 yards out with 27:30 left.

  Three minutes later, Budlong extended the Chiefs' lead to 3-1 when Furgason ripped home a Budlong corner kick.

  Two minutes later Budlong's direct kick from 40 yards out was headed in by Bergeson.

  Canton is one of just 16 Division 1 teams still alive and kicking.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.

Canton coach George Tomasso receives the District championship trophy from Livonia Franklin Athletic Director Ron Hammye. (Steve Kahrs photo)

The Chiefs pose with their championship trophy. (Steve Kahrs photo)

Phil Baciak's sliding effort sailed just wide. (Ed Wright photo)

Canton's Dan Ovesea goes toe-to-toe with a John Glenn midfielder. (Ed Wright photo)

Bobby Budlong passes the ball upfield. (Ed Wright photo)

Connor Furgason was dangerous in the box on this near-goal. (Ed Wright photo)

Nathan Bergeson stretches to keep a ball inbounds. (Ed Wright photo)

Bryan Ren hustles for possession. (Ed Wright photo)