Chargers can't crack CLS' Dalzell in 1-0 loss

Shots didn't translate into goals for Dundee-Crown's boys soccer team Thursday.

Trailing 1-0, the Chargers dominated the second half, peppering Crystal Lake South goalkeeper Zach Dalzell with shots while the Gators never put a solid shot on the net. However, the Chargers couldn't find the back of the net and the Gators held on for the 1-0 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division win in Carpentersville.

Kevin Novak's goal on a header in the final minute of the first half was the difference.

After a South corner kick, the ball came across the crease where Novak was waiting in perfect position. He hammered it into the far left side of the net for the game's only goal.

"We bent but we didn't crack in the back," said South coach Brian Allen. "The communication was there. We knew if they were going to let them shoot from 25-30 (yards, Dalzell) was going to make the save back there."

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Chargers (3-4-1, 1-1).

"I thought we outplayed them the entire game," said D-C coach Rey Vargas. "It was just about trying to find a way to get the ball into the net. We had our opportunities, we just have to get them in."

Dalzell and the Gator defense, led by Chris Ruzbasan, kept the Chargers off the board.

Emil Nicoara appeared to have found the range with a shot midway through the second half, but Dalzell came flying across the crease to bat the ball away.

Christian Meza had several chances as well, including a shot off the crossbar.

At the other end, the Gators (8-3-1, 2-1) weren't able to get an insurance goal to put the game away.

"That's been our problem all year," said Allen. "We've had two or three quality chances where we can give a cushion to our lead, and we need to get that finishing knack.

"We've had too many of these close games where we're putting too much pressure on our defense and our goalkeepers, that one of these days we're going to need to break through and get that second or third goal."