Vernon Hills twins twice to capture own tourney

Vernon Hills’ boys soccer team captured the championship of its own Cougar Classic Saturday, rallying to edge Grayslake Central 3-2 and then nipping Zion-Benton 2-1 for the title.

Vernon Hills, which improved to 4-0, won the tournament for the first time.

Against Grayslake Central, the Cougars wiped out a 2-1 deficit and scored the winning goal with two minutes left.

Joey Mudd and Paul Kulis scored for Grayslake Central, which also got an assist from Johnny Madrid and 7 saves from keeper Steven Anderson.

Grayslake Central 1, Grayslake North 0: At Vernon Hills, Joey Mudd headed home a pass from Anthony Bettancourt for the match’s only goal.

Rams coach Mike McCaulou said his team “played very smart defensively and created some chances.”

Steven Anderson made 7 saves, as the Rams improved to 3-1.

Grayslake North 4, Vernon Hills JV 0: Sean Blashe had a goal and 2 assists for the Knights, and Sintayemu Meyer contributed a goal and an assist.

Chris Zamora and Gavin Amburn also scored, while Dean Jones earned the shutout. Arnaud Laroche-Bataille assisted on Meyer’s goal that opened the scoring.