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Health & Fitness

Canton Beats Avon

Canton boys soccer team defeated Avon, 4-2, to earn state tournament berth.

The Canton High School boys soccer team celebrated Senior Day by upsetting Avon on Monday afternoon, 4-2. Senior striker Jimmy Spatcher led the way with his third hat trick of the season, but that wasn't the story. This victory was about heart, effort, and teamwork. Avon is very talented and played hard but could not match Canton's will and determination.

Canton (7-5) scored quickly to start the game. In the first minute, captain Jimmy Spatcher set the tone by out working several Avon defenders and scoring from the top of the 18 yard box. Avon (10-2-1) responded by controlling much of the play but Canton's defense held. Avon eventually evened up scoring late in the first half on a header by Riley Strasner off a beautiful corner kick. Avon kept the pressure on but Canton keeper Tyler Lange (14 saves) made several spectacular saves to hold the score at 1-1.

Once again, Canton struck quickly to start the second half. Junior Alex Daley took a pass from midfield and dribbled past several Avon defenders. Daley was taken down from behind as he came clear at the net resulting in a Canton penalty kick. Spatcher scored the PK to give Canton a 2-1 lead. Avon responded with multiple scoring opportunities. Lange was up to the challenge, stopping several shots, until a scramble in front of the net resulted in an Avon goal by Fabrizio Rodriguez midway second half.

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In the past, this may have led to a letdown and a loss by an exhausted and outmanned Canton team. But not this year, not this team. Junior Ahmed Al-Aqel hustled for a big win along the Avon sideline earning a throw-in. Al-Aqel's extra effort setup one of the prettiest high school game-winning goals you'll see. Senior Keith Goeben in-bounded to senior Keith Loureiro who held off an Avon defender at the box. Goeben raced toward the net, receiving a pass back from Loureiro. Goeben then sent a perfect centering pass to Spatcher streaking toward the net for the go-ahead score.

Several minutes later, Daley raced into the Avon corner, muscled the ball from a defender, and delivered a gorgeous centering pass. Sophmore Tanner Clarke took the pass and scored off the far post for a huge insurance goal and a 4-2 lead. Avon mounted a furious effort to comeback, hitting the post. But Canton's defense led by seniors Nate Gallagher, Alex Boon van Ostade and keeper Tyler Lange held on for the victory.

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Canton beats Avon.

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