On a cold, crisp late-summer night, it took an unusual goal from a Salem defender to break open a defensive struggle against South Lyon.

  Junior defenseman Jake Genrich teed up a free kick near the mid-field mark, targeting a royal blue-uniformed teammate in the box.

  But instead of an assist, Genrich registered a goal when he skied the ball past the Salem forwards and into the net on one bounce past the Lions' goal-keeper.

  "It was definitely intended to be a cross," Genrich said, "but I'll take it."

  South Lyon generated a couple of opportunities late in the first half, but they were repelled by Salem sophomore goal-keeper Erick Beas, who notched his third shutout of the season.

  The Rocks improved to 3-2-3 overall and 1-1 in the KLAA Central Division standings.

  "We defended very well," Genrich said.

  Genrich made his presence felt again 12:22 into the second half when he set up teammate Chris Dierker, who ripped a shot into the upper-right corner of the goal.

  The shutout was extra impressive considering the Rocks played without standout senior defender Tommy Halewicz.

  "The back line has continued to do a good job since Tommy has been out, but it's a big loss not having him in there since he is such a critical part of our back line," said Salem head coach Ed McCarthy.

  The Rocks face P-CEP rival Canton on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on "Senior Night" for both teams.

  "We're going to need to be a lot sharper in all areas of the game against Canton," McCarthy concluded.