Grayslake Central waits it out, finishes strong

It was worth the wait for Grayslake Central's girls soccer team.

The Rams' annual early-season tournament was postponed Monday and Tuesday due to snow on the stadium turf. The tourney finally got going Wednesday with six 40-minute matches. Grayslake Central won all three of its games, defeating McHenry, Grant and Jacobs to net its own title for the seventh time in the last eight years.

The Rams saved their best game for last, blanking Jacobs 3-0.

"Every game we got a little bit better," Rams coach Bethany Russ said. "We were able to build on the mistakes and come together for the final game, a performance that we should have had from the beginning."

Playing three "mini" games provided a challenge.

"We didn't have much of a break (during games), but it was a good day for fitness," Russ said. "The girls were able to learn something and put what they learned in action the next game."

Grayslake Central (3-3, 3-0) opened the day with a 1-0 victory over Grant, prevailing 3-2 in penalty kicks. Anna Sizelove scored on the final kick, while freshman goalkeeper Payton Gosell made 3 of her 5 stops during the kicks.

The Rams then edged McHenry 1-0, as sophomore Joslynn Smith scored in the final eight seconds off an assist from Emily Werfel.

"I saw the defense splitting and I knew I could make a run and make it past the defense," Smith said of her first varsity goal. "It was a quality pass and I anticipated the run to make it happen. It was exciting to get it."

Smith, Jordyn Gosell and Kayley Larson scored against Jacobs. Payton Gosell made 3 saves in earning her third shutout. She had help from a defense that included Cara Fontana, Aly Hamrick, Jenny Biondo, Anna Sizelove and Lauren Spalding.

Grant (1-3, 1-2) picked up a 2-1 victory over Jacobs, but lost to Grayslake Central and McHenry (2-1) in penalty kicks. Jenna Pecorini scored the game-winning goal against Jacobs, while Leah Nehila tallied the Bulldogs' first goal.

Behind freshman goalie Lexi Werve, Grant allowed only one regulation goal over three matches.

"It was good to get out and get girls playing time," Grant coach Michael Kennedy said. "We're getting a good look at the girls since we (graduated) a lot of starters. We definitely have quality. It's a matter of blending it altogether. It will all come with time."

Jacobs (0-3-1, 0-3) found out where it needs to improve. The Golden Eagles had losses to Grayslake Central and Grant. Fox Valley Conference Valley rival McHenry got past Jacobs 1-0 in the morning.

"The girls need to be faster on and off the ball," Jacobs coach Stephanie Schuck said. "Defensively, we need to mark up tighter in the back."