The Scouts arrived to the very damp, cold Skokie Play Field last night for their match up against the defending 1A state runner-up North Shore Country Day. NSCD plays on a field much smaller than the regulatory fields and this was a key factor as Lake Forest had to adapt if they wanted to add another win to their record. Although the weather and field conditions were not in their favor, the Scouts managed to get the blood pumping as the game commenced. Playing a talented NSCD squad, Lake Forest adapted quickly and took down the Raiders 1-0.

In the first five minutes of the first half, the Scouts came out extremely hot and the Raiders fell back quickly on their defensive end. Although feeling a little rusty coming back from a week long break, the Scouts connected beautiful passes and quickly fell into their groove. After a scoreless first half, it was clear Lake Forest was dominating; they just needed to capitalize. Senior Maggie Mick and junior Katie Bondoc were key players for the Scouts last night.

“Maggie Mick won every 50/50 ball along with Katie Bondoc who really stood out by being a great playmaker all game long,” explained senior captain Leland Keller.

Soon after the second half began, a long ball was passed into space and junior Eilise Stanley was able to run onto it and used her quick feet to dribble around the goalie and released. The ball ricocheted off of a Raider’s leg and senior Ainsley Allan was in the perfect position to settle the ball directly in front of the goal and finish it off for the only goal of the game.

“As a team we played well through the bad weather and adapted our style of play to what was working best for us,” senior Maggie Mick adds. “We fought hard and had many good chances and came away with a great goal. We all worked really hard and improved as a team and as individuals.”

As the Scouts continue to improve every game, they are looking stronger and stronger as they set their eyes on a successful conference season and postseason run. The team will need to play with the same level of skill and intensity against Lyons Township this weekend at the Loyola-hosted Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Classic. Go Scouts!