Girls soccer: Vernon Hills' progress shows in loss to Glenbrook South

The Vernon Hills girls soccer program received a true test of what Central Suburban League competition is all about.

And the Cougars' attempt to keep pace with one of the quality unbeaten teams in the league turned out to be a pretty good barometer of their own progress.

Vernon Hills stayed close to Glenbrook South throughout the match and lost 1-0 in a CSL divisional crossover in Vernon Hills on Thursday night.

The Cougars (1-2-1) were ready for the matchup after spending 2½ hours on the field Wednesday in miserably rainy, windy conditions.

"I really believe the practice (Wednesday) really showed," said Vernon Hills' Sammie Biede, who plays in the midfield and was moved forward late in the match against Glenbrook South. "We really played as a team. The hard work we put in practice every day really shows. The game we played here really brought our team together. From now on, I believe that were going to be successful. I really thought we were the better team.

"We did practice out in the rain in the freezing cold (Wednesday). Actually it was one of our best practices, and it really showed. The way that coach (Mike) McCaulou runs the drills every day helps us improve, helps us understand the game."

According to McCalou, the strong showing against a quality opponent should be encouraging.

"I was definitely pleased with the girls' effort," McCaulou said. "I thought we maintained possession, we had good movement of the ball and had a few chances. In the last 15 minutes we poured it on and had chances. Obviously, a program like Glenbrook South (6-0), they're a big 3A school and it was a great opportunity for us."

The Cougars had been missing several players through the season's early weeks, but were at full strength for this contest.

"This was the first game that we had everybody back," McCaulou said. "It was a great effort and we'll get it going. Our schedule is stacked with a number of 3A schools."

Through its first six games, Glenbrook South hasn't let in a goal. But the Titans were tested a bit, as Vernon Hills had a point-blank shot that was saved by Titans keeper Libbie Vanderveen off the leg of the Cougars' Madelyn Woodrow in the 73rd minute. Vernon Hills had another chance go off the crossbar a couple minutes later.

The Titans' winning goal occurred in the 13th minute when Makayla Stadler scored on a rebound.

"When we play a team like Vernon Hills, they're very decisive," Glenbrook South coach Seong Ha said. "They will work hard, possess and work balls behind very well, especially the last 15 minutes of the game. I thought their work rate was incredible. I thought we were very fortunate to come out with a victory."