Boys soccer: Sanchez's efforts sets Vernon Hills past Lakes

Jose Sanchez knows his role for Vernon Hills' boys soccer team.

Sanchez delivered a couple of well-struck balls on set pieces during the Cougars' Class 2A sectional semifinal against Lakes at Harvard on Tuesday.

He assisted on a pair of goals that came off corner kicks, as the Cougars captured a 2-0 decision.

"We work as a team," Sanchez said. "I trust all of my teammates. We know where to be, near post or far post. We know each other so well."

Sanchez has played in different spots for the Cougars this season. He helped anchor center midfield against Lakes and helped control play, despite 30-mph gusts.

Vernon Hills struck first in the 18th minute, as Chris White finished Sanchez's corner kick. Sanchez later hooked up with Joseph Lee for a goal.

"We practice (corner kicks) a lot," Sanchez said. "There have been times when we've played with a lot of wind, so I feel we're getting used to it. With the help of my coach and my team, I'm starting to understand where to place the ball."

Vernon Hills (16-6) advances to Friday's 6:30 p.m. sectional final against Carmel. The Cougars lost to Lakes 2-0 during North Suburban Prairie Division play.

"We knew what (Lakes) was going to do," Vernon Hills coach Mike McCaulou said. "We've played against them for years. (Coach) Kevin (Kullby) does a really good job and their team is very disciplined. They were very direct and packed it in. They sit behind the ball and look for the counter with their two top players up there. We were able to make some tactical changes from the outside. We knew it would be a difficult game."

Lakes (10-11-2) had gotten past Marian Central and Grayslake Central to win its own regional.

"We didn't mark well on the corners," Kullby said. "They got us with pressure. They're a quality team with quality players. Our issue was that we had to defend like we did the first time we played them. We still played some great defense throughout the game. There were some moments we moved forward to get a good shot. But in a game like this you need some certain luck to get anything out of it."