Canton's Bryan Ren gets tangled up with a Dexter player during the second half of Saturday's game. (Ed Wright photo)

Chiefs overcome rough start to finish with even slate in Balconi Invitational

BY ED WRIGHT
Aug. 21, 2010, 7:15 p.m.

  Unlike the weather, Canton's soccer team improved as the day went along Saturday.

  Playing in a steady, day-long rain, the Chiefs bounced back from an opening-game 1-0 setback to University Detroit Jesuit by battling to a 1-1 draw with Salem before thumping Dexter, 3-0, in the Gary Balconi Invitational played on four fields on the P-CEP campus.

  The Chiefs were the defending champions of the event, which drew eight top-level teams.

  Canton coach George Tomasso said the first-game score wasn't indicative of how well his team played.

  "I thought the entire team played well," said Tomasso. "We created nine quality scoring opportunities, but couldn't finish."

  Senior Brandon Laabs played well between the pipes for the Chiefs.

  In game two, Canton rallied to tie Salem, 1-1, on Nathan Bergeson's goal with approximately five minutes left in the game. Salem grabbed a 1-0 lead with just seconds left in the first half.

  Laabs played well in net for the Chiefs.

  Canton saved its best game of the tournament for last, upending the Dreadnaughts, 3-0. Daniel Ovesea, Brian Berinti and freshman Griffin Parks tallied goals for the winners.

  Laabs and senior net-minder Garren Carr shared the shut-out.

  The Chiefs will take their 1-1-1 mark into Thursday's KLAA Kensington Conference opener at Novi.

  To read a preview story on this season's Canton soccer team, CLICK HERE.

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

Freshman Griffin Parks scored one of the Chiefs' three goals against Dexter. (Ed Wright photo)

Senior keeper Garren Carr wraps up the ball as two Dreadnaughts close in. (Ed Wright photo) 

Nathan Bergeson wins a 50/50 ball against Dexter. (Ed Wright photo)

Garrett Derian-Toth battles a Dexter player for possession of the ball. (Ed Wright photo)

Connor Furgason played well in the 3-0 victory over Dexter. (Ed Wright photo)

Mid-fielder Bobby Budlong advances the ball. (Ed Wright photo)