Dalzell shines as CL South outlasts C-G

Crystal Lake South High School boys soccer coach Brian Allen would prefer not to play in a shootout.

But, if the Gators are forced to be in a shootout situation Allen feels confident with Zach Dalzell in the nets.

Dalzell registered 2 saves during the shootout session as the Gators outscored Cary-Grove 3-1 to earn a 1-0 victory in a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division showdown at Cary-Grove's Al Bohrer Field Thursday night.

Both teams are 6-3 in conference play. Cary-Grove, the defending conference champions is 14-3 overall while the Gators improve to 13-7-1.

It was Dalzell's 11th shutout of the season and his fifth straight.

"We feel very confident with Zach in the nets in a shootout," said Allen. "Obviously, you don't want to be in a shootout situation. But Zach was fantastic in the shootout. He made great reads and he responded with a great effort."

Dalzell set the tone early in the shootout.

On the first shot, Cary-Grove's John Oberlies blasted a shot toward the right corner But Dalzell dove to make the save. The Trojans' second shooter Calvin Brown tried to beat the Gator keeper on the left side, but Dalzell dove and deflected ball over the net.

South scored on 3 of 4 attempts in the shootout. Kevin Novak, Cullen Zmutko and Jordan Innis had goals for the Gators.

With South leading 3-1, Cary-Grove's Taylor Clarke tried to pull the Trojans closer but his shot went over the net to give the Gators the win.

"We practice the shootouts at the end of practice all the time," said Dalzell. "It is nerve-wracking but I feel confident. I was able to get the angles on the saves. This is a great win for us."

Cary-Grove, which outshot Crystal Lake South 14-9, had a chance to win In regulation but Patrick Shelton's shot as time expired went over the net.

Both goalies were solid. Dalzell had 8 saves for the Gators while Keenan Walsh pushed back 6 shots for Cary-Grove.

"It is always unfortunate to lose in a shootout," said Cary-Grove coach Mark Olson. "Shootouts can go either way. It is wide open. Things didn't go our way in the shootout. Both of teams had plenty of chances to score in regulation and overtime. Give the Gators credit. They played very well. But, our kids gave a great effort.