Walker's sharp play lifts Grayslake Central

Nick Walker knows how to find the right spot for Grayslake Central's boys soccer team, as evidenced by the Rams' 3-goal, second-half outburst in the Cougar Classic Championship.

Grayslake Central picked up a 4-1 victory over host Vernon Hills behind Walker's winning goal and assist on Monday afternoon.

The game had been moved to Monday after inclement weather postponed it Saturday morning.

With the game tied 1-1 in the 60th minute, the Rams' Abdiel Espinoza fired a shot on goal, which was saved. But there was an opportunity for a rebound, and Walker took advantage, scoring the eventual game-winner and putting the Rams ahead 2-1.

"I just made a cut to the back post," said Walker, who now has 4 goals and 5 assists in 6 games. "The shot was on goal, and then it fell right to my feet. It was pretty exciting to get it. We were pushing, pushing, pushing for a goal. We had chances and never gave up. We just wanted to keep playing and score. It was a great relief to get it."

The Rams (5-0-1, 5-0 in the Classic) scored two more in an eight-minute span. Walker assisted on the next one four minutes later, finding Chris Quiroz. Then Randy Betancourth added another in the 68th minute with an assist from Leo Orozco.

"We really executed after a long, exhausting week," Grayslake Central coach Tom Hamilton said. "I give all the credit to the boys. The second half, we came out aggressive. We kept switching fields and looking for our chances. The boys turned things up a notch and got things together."

Vernon Hills (4-1) had a great start to its season, winning all four of its games before the title game. The Cougars opened the scoring in the first half with a header from Jose Silva for a 1-0 lead.

But the Rams bounced back, tying the match in the 34th minute as Sebastian Himestrosa scored an unassisted goal.

Grayslake Central has come together quickly as a group.

"We're just playing well together," Walker said. "We're getting some good coaching, and our preparation for the games is very good. We just have some very good chemistry on the team."