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Libertyville, Mundelein battle to draw

It seems like every girls soccer game in the North Suburban Lake Division is a battle.

Mundelein team expected a grueling match against visiting Libertyville on Tuesday night, and that's what the Mustangs got.

After 80 minutes, neither team had found the back of the net, so the two rivals settled for a 0-0 draw.

"Nothing is ever easy in the North Suburban," Mundelein coach Ernie Billittier said. "Libertyville came out fast and pressured us more. It caused us to turn the ball over a little bit more. First half, we got into a lot of dangerous spots. We played a great first half and (Libertyville) played a great second half.

"It's soccer, and the game of soccer is finishing opportunities," Billittier added. "We score in bunches. We've had a few ties this year - outside of Warren - where I thought we had the run of play."

Mundelein (8-1-4) extended its unbeaten streak to 10 games at 6-0-4. In the NSC Lake, the Mustangs are 2-0-2, while Libertyville is 3-6-2 and 0-2-2. Mundelein is still in the division race behind Lake Zurich (13-2-1, 4-0-1). The Bears tied Warren (7-4-2, 2-1-2) 1-1 on Tuesday night. Mundelein has two games remaining: at Stevenson Thursday and at Lake Zurich next Tuesday.

"We're still in the race," Billittier said. "We still control a little bit of our destiny. We have two great teams ahead of us, and there's no easy game in the division. (Tuesday's tie) was a little disappointing. We would have liked a win, but our goal (of winning the division) is still there."

The Mustangs created a number of scoring chances against Libertyville, but the Mustangs were either denied by Wildcats keeper Krista Erlandson or couldn't put the ball on goal.

"I thought we played pretty well," Mundelein junior midfielder Cristy Nambo said. "It was frustrating, knowing that we created scoring chances (but couldn't finish). We've had our chances this season. We started out strong and are doing well in the conference."

Libertyville had its share of scoring chances, as well, but couldn't solve Mustangs keeper Lexi Pawlowski. The Wildcats hit shots off both the crossbar and post. Scoring has been an issue for the Wildcats most of the season.

"We played another great game. We just didn't score," Libertyville coach Andy Bitta said. "I thought we were right there and had the better play. (Mundelein) had some nice chances.

"We look great, except for putting the ball in the back of the net," Bitta added. "That's been our problem all year. Our defense is good. We have two great keepers, (plus) our midfield and forwards. We just haven't put the ball in the back of the net. I keep hoping one game that we'll explode for 3-4 goals."

  Libertyville goalie Krista Erlandson comes out to block a shot at Mundelein on Tuesday. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville defender Abbey Peters, left, pressures Mundelein midfielder Adriana Salse with help from midfielder Danielle Pacholski on Tuesday at Mundelein. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
  Mundelein midfielder Michele Chernesky races down the field against Libertyville on Tuesday at Mundelein. Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
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