Ramirez's late strike lifts Round Lake past Vernon Hills

For the second time already this season, Freddie Ramirez delivered a game-winning goal.

And this time, his final-minute strike netted a dramatic boys soccer victory for Round Lake.

Ramirez scored both goals in leading Round Lake past host Vernon Hills 2-1 in a North Suburban Prairie Division match at Vernon Hills on Tuesday night.

With 52 seconds left in the match, Ramirez made a run to beat the Vernon Hills' defense. He took a long service from teammate Christian Gomez, controlled the ball and then placed a shot inside the post.

"I don't think of a play or how I'm going to score," said Ramirez, who now has 10 goals this fall. "I guess I know how to put the ball into the back of the net.

"Christian and I have been playing soccer together since we've been 7 years old. He's been my main player to play with out here. He's a good midfielder and knows how to send balls and everything. It was a beautiful ball to me."

Over the full 80 minutes, it was a true battle as Round Lake (7-1, 3-0) was able to stay unbeaten in the division race.

"That game could've gone either way," said Round Lake coach Hugo Tellez. "(Vernon Hills) pressured and did a great job, Freddie was able to step up. It came down to who wanted it more."

Ramirez scored the opening goal for the Panthers late in the first half, in the 38th minute. He took a ball off a deflection, controlled it, dribbled through three Cougars defenders and created a one-v-one opportunity with the keeper.

Vernon Hills (5-4, 1-2) tied it at 1-1 in the 55th minute when Aaron Castellanos delivered a shot that went off a Panthers defender and found the back of the net.

Both sides had many chances to score, only to find a post or the crossbar.

Cougars keeper Brennan Reback made 9 stops, several times on point-blank chances or breakaways.

"I'm proud of our kids showing a lot of heart and courage," Vernon Hills coach Mike McCaulou said. "We hit the post a couple of times and created some great opportunities. It's now capitalizing - finishing. We did have chances to score. If we play like that, it will be tough to beat us. It was nice to see this out there."