Grayslake North starting to come of age

Grayslake North's boys soccer team is making some noise, and area teams would be wise to take notice.

In their second year as a varsity program, the Knights are building momentum. They're finding ways to win quickly, as evidenced by its fifth consecutive victory starting the season.

Sophomore Julio Zamora scored 3 goals Saturday, including a pair in the championship game as Grayslake North scored a 2-1 victory over Lake Forest Academy to win Grant Invitational in Fox Lake.

Zamora made believers with his efforts in the title game leading the Knights by getting both tallies in the highly competitive match with Lake Forest Academy (2-1).

"You've got to keep your cool and keep playing," said Zamora, who has 4 goals in five games. "I feel like I'm waking up.

"Everyone plays at the same level and nobody gives up. We seem to have heart."

The Knights fell behind 1-0 in the ninth minute, when Lake Forest Academy's Connor Holloway scored.

But Grayslake North tied it nine minutes later when, after a bump in the box, Zamora converted a penalty kick.

Zamora notched his second goal by stealing a ball from a Lake Forest Academy defender and depositing it in the back of the net in the 51st minute.

The Knights also won their earlier game Saturday morning, taking a 2-1 victory from Harvard.

Zamora and Drew Hauck both had goals and Jeremy Leanna added an assist.

Grayslake North won all three games in the invitational and won the tournament outright after sharing it with host Grant last year.

"We knew we could come out and play," Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "With the way we played last year, we had the potential -- and the kids came out with intensity. They want to beat every team that they play. We've got the experience and they want to take advantage."