Second-half goal explosion propels
Chiefs to KLAA Kensington Crown

  What do Canton's soccer team, Michigan State's football team and the Stock Market have in common?

  They're all on incredible rolls that their fans (and investors) can only hope will last at least another month.

  The hottest of the three may be the Chiefs, who extended their unbeaten streak to 12 and their record to 15-2-2 Monday night with a super-impressive 5-1 triumph over host Novi in a match played at Meadows Middle School in Novi.

  (To view video highlights of the match, including two of the Chiefs' goals, CLICK HERE.)

  After battling the Wildcats to a 1-1 halftime draw, the Chiefs' offense cranked it into high gear over the final 40 minutes, blistering the net with four unanswered goals.

  "We picked up the intensity," senior captain Phil Baciak said, when asked the difference between the Chiefs' first- and second-half performances. "The way we played in the second half tonight is the way we need to play starting next week in the district tournament.

  "This is a huge win tonight. Winning the conference is special for the team, the school, the city, everybody."

  Baciak and teammate Bobby Budlong enjoyed huge offensive nights for the Chiefs.

  The duo's most significant contributions came in the second half when they hooked up on the Chiefs' second and third goals.

  Sixteen minutes into the second half, Budlong ripped the ball away from a Novi defender and played a through ball to Baciak, who finished it in spectacular fashion by poking a perfectly-placed shot past Novi keeper Wes Smith.

  "We had a good offensive push going, but the initial push didn't work out," Baciak said, describing the goal. "Then Bobby somehow got the ball -- like always -- and slipped it to me and I did the rest. He's the best play-maker I've ever played with."

  Twenty minutes later, the Budlong and Baciak combined on one of the slickest give-and-go plays you'll ever see.

  Budlong ignited the scoring surge by dropping a ball to Baciak along the right flank. Baciak then curled a perfect cross in front that Budlong headed home to make it 3-1.

  Senior captain Sean Balnaves converted a penalty kick less than a minute later and Budlong scored from Baciak in the game's final minute to seal the deal.

  "These boys all have one thing in common and that is they want to win, no matter what it takes," said Canton coach George Tomasso. "They bring a strong team chemistry and team mentality into every game.

  "I thought we came out a little flat the first 20 minutes of each half, but we made some adjustments and finished strong."

  Tomasso praised the efforts of center-backs Connor Shennan and Connor Furgason, and the stellar play of Budlong.

  "The two Connors got left out to dry a few times early on, but they made outstanding plays to keep us in the game," said Tomasso. "What makes Bobby so good is that he's such an intelligent player. He's been educated his entire life and he's retained everything he's been taught."

  The Wildcats struck first Monday night, grabbing a 1-0 lead on Chase Jabbari's goal 19 minutes in.

  Canton deadlocked the game at 1-1 three minutes later when Dan Ovesea headed in a Budlong free kick. 

  Canton goal-keeper Brandon Laabs was spectacular, denying the Wildcats from the door-step on three occasions in the second half.

  The victory earned the Chiefs the KLAA Kensington Conference title and propelled them into Wednesday night's KLAA Association championship match against Brighton, which defeated Walled Lake Northern on Monday.

  "This team is like a family and I love all these guys like they're my brothers," Baciak added. "The way we've bonded is at a different level."

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


Phil Baciak rejoices after scoring the game-winning goal. (Ed Wright photo)

The Chiefs are pictured with the KLAA Kensington Conference first-place plaque. (Sandy Bergeson photo)

Connor Shennan elevates above Novi's defense in search of a free kick. (Ed Wright photo)

Connor Furgason makes a great play to separate a Wildcat from the ball. (Ed Wright photo)

Shean Krolicki wins a 50/50 ball against Novi's Matt Wilson. (Ed Wright photo)

Canton's Brian Berinti advances the ball during the second half of Monday's game. (Ed Wright photo)

Canton's Mitch Posuniak battles for possession of the ball. (Ed Wright photo)