Rams post shutout win in battle of Grayslake
Grayslake Central's boys soccer team is maintaining bragging rights in District 127.
The Rams won for the third straight time over Grayslake North on Thursday night, winning the Fox Valley Conference Fox Division match 2-0.
Grayslake Central junior keeper Nick Sloan made 11 saves for his second shutout of the season. Freshman Caleb Longenecker and Ryan Williams scored for the Rams (2-6-2, 1-2) in front of a large crowd often seen for football.
"It showed a lot of character, heart and dedication," Grayslake Central coach Mike McCaulou said of the victory. "We wanted it more and (Grayslake North) didn't have an answer for us. Our team played very, very, well and very disciplined. It was a great win."
Grayslake Central scored both of its goals off throw-ins. It was the third and fourth times this season the Rams have done that.
"We wanted to crash the box and mix things up," McCaulou said. "In the final third, it all comes down to who wants it most. It's not necessarily technical ability. We just got to the ball first and scored."
Longenecker connected in the 10th minute off a throw by Michael Davis, giving the Rams the only goal they needed. He directed the ball in with his knee.
"I just saw an opportunity and went for it," said Longenecker, whose goal was his third of the year. "We had a lot of players crashing the ball. I just put the ball in."
Williams scored in the 44th minute off a Longenecker throw, touching it by Knights keeper Josh Larson (4 saves).
The Rams snapped an eight-game slide (0-6-2), after they had opened the season with a 1-0 win over Antioch.
"I needed a shutout and we were on a losing streak," Sloan said. "It's always going to be a rivalry (against Grayslake North). They came out strong, but we came out stronger.
"We're more of a defensive team, but our offense is strong. The main thing is if we can stop the other team, then we can't lose."
Grayslake North (8-3, 2-1) has a more experienced team than Grayslake Central, after the Rams graduated numerous players from last year's history-making team that set a team mark for wins.
The Rams took advantage of Knights mistakes in back.
"It's aggression. When you get beat to the balls, it's easy for the other team," Grayslake North coach Adam DeCaluwe said. "It's that simple. If you don't beat them to the free balls, then you're not going to win anything.
"(Grayslake Central)'s forwards were working hard up top. They put us under pressure and both times they beat us on long throw-ins.
Grayslake Central will take part in the Cougar Classic at Vernon Hills at 5 p.m. today against host Vernon Hills. The Rams play Northridge Prep at 10 a.m. Saturday and Zion-Benton at 1 p.m.