Boyd’s goals lift Cary-Grove over Hampshire

With prolific scorer Korey Kronforst graduated, Cary-Grove girls soccer coach Ray Krystal is looking for players to step into the scorers role during the 2013 campaign.

The Trojans might have found that type of scorer in senior Kate Boyd.

Boyd’s 2 goals were enough for the Trojans to produce a 2-0 win over Hampshire in Fox Valley Conference crossover action in Cary Thursday night.

“Korey was obviously the focal point last season,” said Krystal. “She was a great scorer and defenses keyed on her. This year we have multiple threats. We will be tough to defend. Kate is certainly one of those threats who are capable of scoring. She scored some goals last season and had a good game tonight.”

The Trojans (3-1) struck first as Boyd scored off a nice feed from senior Cory Levels with only 7:47 elapsed in the game.

Cary-Grove, which had 9 shots on goals during the first 40 minutes, held a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The Trojans, who outshot the Whip-Purs (1-1) 16-0, grabbed a 2-0 advantage when Boyd scored her second goal of the evening off an assist from senior Michelle Kalenda with 26:35 remaining in the game. That was the end of the scoring for the night.

“I learned a lot from Korey last year and I hope I can implement that knowledge this season,” said Boyd. “We have a lot of girls capable of scoring goals and we know we have to play as a team to be successful. It was nice to help the team win. On the goals, I got great passes which set up great opportunities for me.”

Krystal praised his team’s defense, which didn’t allow a shot on goal.

“Our defense is a very cohesive unit,” said Krystal. “It is a total team effort. It is early but we are coming together. It is an encouraging sign.”

Hampshire senior goalie Arianna Rominski kept the Whip-Purs in the game with some stellar play in the nets, collecting 10 saves.

“Arianna is an extremely bright kid who uplifts this team,” said Hampshire coach Pat O’ Brien. “She played great and kept us in the game with some great saves.”

O’Brien believes his team can learn from the loss.

“Cary-Grove has a good team and a good program.” Said O’ Brien. “We can reflect on this game and use it as a learning tool.