Salem lights up Lake Orion, 4-2

BY ED WRIGHT
Aug. 26, 2010, 9:15 p.m.

  One of the first things a soccer team wants to do during its home opener is make sure the scoreboard works OK following two months of inactivity.

  On Thursday night, the scoreboard on the P-CEP varsity soccer pitch was working fine and dandy -- especially on the side that registered the Rocks' goals.

  Playing against a talented Lake Orion squad that was coming off a rousing 5-0 victory over Clarkston, Salem blew up offensively on the way to a 4-2 victory.

  Coach Ed McCarthy's contingent is now 2-1-1 heading into Monday's much-anticipated showdown against Plymouth.

  "I was very happy with the win against a very good Lake Orion team," said Salem head coach Ed McCarthy. "Defensively, we have some work to do, so giving up a couple goals isn't a recipe for long-term success, but we were really good in the attack.

  "Chris Dierker was excellent tonight as was Jake Pascarella."

  Pascarella got things rolling for the Rocks when he scored the ice-breaking goal off an assist from Drew Roth to put the hosts ahead, 1-0.

  Dierker's first goal of the night pumped the Rocks' lead to 2-0 a short time later off an assist from Jake Genrich.

  After the Dragons sliced their deficit to 2-1, Dierker struck again, lighting up the scoreboard late in the first half off a helper from Brandon Barfuss.

  Roth put the game on ice for the Rocks early in the second half when his net-finder from Jeff Cantin made it 4-1.

  Lake Orion tallied its final goal at the 20-minute mark.

  Sophomore Erick Beas registered the win in net for Salem. He made a sensational save on a Dragon free kick from 20 yards out with 7:50 to play, elevating high to tip the ball just over the cross-bar.

  McCarthy praised the play of Cantin and Roth.

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

Sophomore Chris Dierker scored a pair of goals for Salem Thursday night. (Ed Wright photo)

Salem's Joe Stephan looks to cross the ball on a break-away. (Ed Wright photo)

Salem coach Ed McCarthy addresses his team following Thursday's win. (Ed Wright photo)