Vernon Hills tops Grayslake Central

Boys soccer

Ricky Ceja headed home David Orozco’s cross for the tiebreaking goal in the second half, as Vernon Hills’ boys soccer edged Grayslake Central 2-1 in the Cougar Classic on Saturday.

The victory advanced host Vernon Hills (3-0) to Tuesday’s championship game against Taft at Vernon Hills.

Bradley Burrows scored the Cougars’ first goal from an assist by David White, as coach Mike McCaulou recorded a win over his former team.

Isaac Longenecker scored for Grayslake Central, with Leo Orozco earning the assist. The match was tied 1-1 at halftime. The Rams will play Grayslake North on Tuesday.

Taft 1, Grayslake North 0: At Vernon Hills, the Eagles prevailed in a penalty-kick shootout, which went seven rounds, to advance to the title game.

“We continue to show signs of progress each game, and today was no different,” coach Adam DeCaluwe said after his Knights fell to 2-2. “Taft did a good job early of putting us under some pressure, but once we got organized, we did a great job of limiting how much they were able to do.”

Grayslake North had only 4 shots on goal. Knights keeper Dean Jones made 4 saves, while Taft’s goalie thwarted three breakaways. DeCaluwe credited the play of junior forward Gavin Amburn, sophomore forward Cole Karabinus, senior midfielder Andreas Thedorf, senior defender Nick Rice and junior defender Lucas Buckels.

Warren 2, Glenbrook South 0: At Glenbrook South, Rafa Macias (penalty kick) and Nick Haas scored for the Blue Devils in their tournament finale.

John Billamil assisted on Haas’ tally. R.J. Hill (6 saves) and Dylan Montgomery (1 save) shared the shutout in net for Warren (2-0-2, 2-0-2). The Blue Devils tied Wheeling 1-1 earlier in the day.

Libertyville 2, Lake Forest Academy 0: Alex Lucas and Sam Kratzer scored for the Wildcats (1-1), who earned their first win.

Kenny Gallagher and Thomas Vondrak earned the assists. Sam Muchmore (2 saves) and Alex Shory (3 saves) shared the shutout in goal.