Girls soccer: Quick rebound for victorious Mundelein

Bouncing back after a tough rival loss to rival Carmel Catholic on Tuesday?

It turned out to be no problem for Mundelein's girls soccer team Wednesday.

The Mustangs hit the road and scored plenty in a 5-1 victory over host Niles North in a nonconference match in Skokie.

Leah Goldman scored twice and had and an assist, while Myah Strokosch scored and picked up 2 assists. Nicole Robb and Amanda Bogseth tallied the other goals for the Mustangs (4-1-1).

"I'm very happy for our girls to regroup after a frustrating loss to Carmel," said Mundelein coach Ernie Billittier of the 2-1 defeat that was completed on Tuesday after a Monday postponement. "We had a good second half against Carmel, and we had opportunities to tie it up - and it didn't happen. I think it was a good turnaround in 24 hours to play another quality opponent.

"We just talked about putting away the chances that we had, and they did that (against Niles North). I was just pleased with the response from the team. We had an emotional game with our rival, but to come back and put in a good performance, I'm very happy."

Goldman's first goal came with an assist from Strokosch on a breakaway in the 19th minute.

"We did a good job connecting overall, from building up back from the defense," Goldman said. "I think that's where it starts, when the defense connects so well. Myah slotted the ball to me. I have been practicing them a lot because it takes a lot of composure. Over the summer, I was working on it a lot. I was just able to finish this one."

Bogseth scored the second Mundelein goal off another great pass from Strokosch in the 31st minute for a 2-0 advantage.

"I feel like I'm attacking with the ball a lot more," Strokosch said. "Everyone is a strong player - I feel like we're able to connect and pass to each other instead of kicking the ball up there."

Niles North (2-6) managed to get a goal back in he 38th minute when Ellie Bettenhausen scored on a loose ball up top to make it 2-1.

Mundelein scored three times in the second half. Robb found the back of the net on an unassisted goal in the 47th minute for a 3-1 lead.

Strokosch scored from a pass set up by Goldman in the 51st minute. That was followed by the final Goldman goal in the 58th minute.

"Mundelein was a solid squad, and they pass the ball well," Niles North coach Filip Cejovic said. "I thought we played a pretty good first half and competed. We just had a couple of bounces not go our way. (Mundelein) was able to capitalize on our mistakes.

"I thought (Mundelein) was tactically stronger than us and I thought they were more fit than us."