After an exciting end to the Regional Finals last Friday night, the Girls Varsity Soccer Team advanced to the Sectional Semifinal where they are set to take on Crystal Lake Central.
It took a penalty shootout, but the fifth-seeded Scouts secured its third straight Regional Championship by defeating the fourth-seeded Lakes Eagles. Through 100 total minutes of play, which included a thrilling 20 minute overtime, it was still tied 0-0. Both teams failed to capitalize on penalty shots, forcing a shootout. The Scouts found themselves down 1-0 after the first round of penalty shots, but quickly regained the lead after three missed shots from Lakes and two made shots from the Scouts. With the Regional Final on the line, the Eagles found the back of the net to even the shootout 3-3. But with the final penalty shot and a chance to send the Scouts to the Sectional Semifinals, senior Hanna Sands buried her shot to win it.
With the victory on Friday night, the Scouts head to Deerfield to face the number one seeded Crystal Lake Central, a team that has put together an impressive 18-2-2 record. By beating their last two opponents by a combined total of 15 goals, Crystal Lake Central also proposes a challenging defense, holding both teams to shutouts in those first two playoff games.
Although it will be a tough match-up for the Scouts, junior Chloe Hvostik is optimistic. “We are definitely the underdogs in this, but we are all ready to play for each other,” she said. “In the playoffs, it’s anyone’s game.”
Despite a challenging opponent ahead, the Scouts have had some successful history when it comes to Sectional Semifinal games. Along with collecting Regional Championships the prior two seasons, the Scouts have then gone on to win the Sectional Semifinal as well. Now, they have a chance to make their third straight Sectional Final appearance.
With four days to prepare for Crystal Lake Central, the Scouts are feeling ready to take on the Tigers.
“We’ve been working so hard this whole season and we are prepared for tonight. We’re going to leave it all out on the field for our seniors,” junior Ryan Rice said.
The Scouts aim to win their third straight Sectional Semifinal game Wednesday at 4:30 P.M. in Deerfield.
Update: The girls lost to Crystal Lake Central 2-1 in PKs (4-3) in the Sectional Semi-Final.
