Eye-opening Opener

Chiefs' defense impressive in 1-0 win

March 29, 2010, 11:20 p.m.

  You know spring has arrived when you see your first robin, the sun is still shining at 7 p.m. and Canton's girls soccer team is shutting out an opponent.

  There were no robin sightings at the PCEP turf field Monday night, but the Chiefs' defense was rockin' in Canton's 1-0 blanking of visiting state-power Novi.

  "We defended very well, especially in the first half," said Canton coach George Tomasso. "But in the second half, we had a few let-downs and Novi played great, but we did a good job of keeping the ball out of the net."

  Senior goalie Sam McPartlin was up to the task Monday, stopping all five shots  the Wildcats directed at her.

  The game's lone goal unfolded 17  minutes in when Allyson Krause deflected Lindsey Winters' set-piece pass  past Novi's goalie to give the Chiefs the only goal they would need on a chilly March evening.

  Tomasso said the team wasn't hampered by the late arrivals of the several players who were a part of Canton's semifinal basketball team.

  "They're all competitors, so they're all fine," he said. "The basketball didn't set them back at all. I was just happy to see the success they were enjoying. Getting to the semifinals is amazing."

  Canton returns to action Wednesday when it travels to Saline for a 7 p.m. match.