Canton Kicks its Way to Semifinals

DEARBORN — Canton junior defenseman Tyler Winningham scored on a free kick early in the first half and the Chiefs held on for a 1-0 victory over Novi in a Division 1 soccer regional final Saturday.

Canton (20-3-2) faces East Kentwood, ranked No. 1 by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association in the final poll of the year, on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Holt High School.

"Both teams had chances to score," Canton assistant coach Mark Zemanski said. "Both goalies made some big saves."

Canton senior goalie Brandon Laabs posted the shutout with some help from his teammates.

"The defense played well," Zemanski said. "It was a good team defensive effort."

East Kentwood (23-1-1) defeated Holland West Ottawa, 4-0, to reach the semifinals.