MADISON HEIGHTS — University of Detroit Jesuit and Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett put up with the elements to win the CHSL boys soccer championships for 2019.

The Cubs dominated Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood from start to finish for a 3-0 victory to claim the Bishop Trophy (formerly A-B Division), while University Liggett slipped past Royal Oak Shrine, 3-2, for the Cardinal Trophy (formerly C-D Division).

“Slipped” is the operative word. The contests were played Wednesday evening (Oct. 2) on Bishop Foley High’s artificial turf in bone-chilling rain and gusty winds.

‘Spectacular from the start’

“We stayed within our game plan,” explained Jesuit coach Kevin Tuite about the Cubs’ third CHSL soccer title in its history. The others came in 2013 and 2000.

“We were spectacular right from the start, waiting for that first goal,” he said.

It came 33 minutes into the first half off the foot of junior forward Robert Williams. Just moments earlier, his attempt ricocheted off the goal post. He made certain with the rebound.

A mere 42 seconds at the start of the second half, senior Matthew Wimmer scorched a penalty kick past a helpless Cranes goalie, Charlie Hefter.

Some 12 minutes later, junior Lawrence Kania took a pass from Nolan Morgan for the Cubs’ third score.

Tuite praised his midfielders: “We took our time, looked around, connecting the dots, waiting for our opportunities.”

About the defense, “They did a good job,” he said. The Cubs maintained a suffocating 70 percent ball possession. Cranbrook’s best scoring threat came with 90 seconds left to play, only to be turned away by goalie LaMar Price.

Playing in the CHSL’s Central Division, Tuite said, “is the best preparation. It’s one of the top three leagues in the state.”

The Cubs won the division with a 4-0-2 record (11-4-6 overall) prevailing against Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Warren De La Salle and Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice.

The state tournament begins next week on district level. Division 1 Jesuit opens Oct. 11 against Detroit Western (4-0-1). Cranbrook in Division 2 will meet Auburn Hills Avondale (5-10-1) Oct. 10.

‘An 80-minute overtime’

Who knew way back when schedules were drawn up that Liggett and Shrine would play each other four days before they would square off for a CHSL championship?

That’s what happened last Saturday in a 2-2 tie.

“I guess that makes tonight’s game an 80-minute overtime,” joked Liggett coach David Dwalhy.

Liggett made sure that wouldn’t happen by scoring two goals in a span of four minutes — and goalie Sam Sword made some sensational saves down the stretch — to give the team its first CHSL soccer title, and at the same time deny Shrine a chance to repeat its 2018 championship.

Senior Ben Plunkey put Shrine on the scoreboard first within three minutes of the start. Stewart Smith’s 40-yard free kick handcuffed goalie Stephen Ruhle to tie the game heading into halftime.

Sophomore Kevin Wright regained the lead for Shrine at 25:47, but only for about 10 minutes until senior Nolan Ondersma tied the score.

Just under 13 minutes, Ondersma kicked the ball from the right corner. Smith was in the right place at the time when the ball bounced off Shrine goalie and he was promptly parked it in the net.

‘We blew it,” said a disappointed Shrine coach, Mark Soma. “We made stupid mistakes. They dominated us.”

“The teams got to know each other,” Dwalhy said about their earlier match. “It was a tough game, a lot of emotion and adversity. We were fortunate it didn’t slip away.”

Both teams were perfect 8-0 in league play: Liggett in Intersectional 1 (overall 12-1-1), Shrine in Intersectional 2 (overall 14-7-1).

But, wait, there’s more drama in store: a third meeting. This could happen in a state district final Oct 19.

Shrine opens Division 4 play Oct. 9 against Bishop Foley (6-5-2); Liggett not until Oct. 16 against Bloomfield Hills Roeper (11-3).