Mundelein's rally falls short against McHenry

Mundelein's boys soccer team had come back before against McHenry.

It wasn't to be Saturday night, however, even though the Mustangs were playing on their home field.

The Mustangs pulled out a 2-2 draw with McHenry earlier in the season by scoring two late goals.

But this time around No 5 McHenry -- thanks to a pair of great goals by Ryan McNaughton in the first half -- upset No. 4 Mundelein 2-1 in the teams' regional final.

"Obviously, it hurts to fall behind, but we thought we could come back," Mundelein coach Dave Ekstrom said. "We just couldn't connect on the final pass and get the good opportunity at the end."

McHenry (18-3-2) will next meet up with top-seeded Carmel (16-5-2) at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Class AA Libertyville sectional semifinal.

The Warriors, who needed shootout kicks to get past Round Lake on Wednesday night, earned their first sectional berth in six years.

"We've played a lot of close games and one-goal games," McHenry coach Tony Caruso said. "We're just used to the pressure. When Ryan McNaughton is 'on' we're a tough team to beat.

"We knew (Mundelein) was dangerous and after the first goal against us we had to play a lot harder. We didn't have the speed or skill as Mundelein, but we played McHenry style of soccer with heart and hustle."

McNaughton put the Warriors up 1-0 in the 24th minute, connecting on a 25-yard kick that found the lower left corner.

McNaughton scored again seven minutes later, bringing the ball down and firing a volley under the crossbar.

"They were two of the best goals I've had all year," said McNaughton, who has 21 on the season. "It felt good to hit those. They went where I wanted them to go."

Mundelein keeper Kevin Sorby, who made 5 saves, was surprised by the shots.

"The second one was one of the best shots I've seen all year," Sorby said. "You've got to be pretty good to hit a shot like that one. But you can't hit that shot every time."

Mundelein managed to cut the lead to 2-1 in the 35th minute off a Nester Montiel free kick, which was touched by David Burdick. Eric Flores scored his 13th goal.

But the Mustangs couldn't get the tying goal.

"McHenry booted the ball every time we got close," Flores said. "They were compacted and had their whole team back there. We just couldn't get a shot off.

"We kept on kicking the ball up there and fighting for it. We didn't want to give up."

Carmel 5, Wauconda 0: Top-seeded Carmel Catholic won its third straight regional title, downing No. 8 Wauconda 5-0 in Mundelein.

The Corsairs' Kurt Houghton scored 2 goals. Edwin Lagunas, John Zeffery and Ian Tune had the others.

Lagunas also picked up an assist, along with Colin O'Malley, Bobby Gas and Ari Sandoval.

Carmel keeper Joey Ferrari made 2 saves and earned his 11th shutout.

"We played real well out there," said Corsairs coach John Halloran. "Our goals were like highlight-reel goals. Our kids came out real focused and it was nice to see them play that way."

Wauconda finished 11-5-4.

Carmel (16-5-2) advances to play No. 5 McHenry (18-3-2) at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Libertyville sectional semifinals. The Warriors got past No. 4 Mundelein 2-1.

Lake Forest 1, Warren 0: Harry Shipp scored on a penalty kick with five minutes left in the opening half, as the sixth-seeded Scouts ended the season of the third-seeded Blue Devils in the Warren regional final.

Chris Weber earned the shutout in goal for Lake Forest, which will play No. 2 Libertyville in the Libertyville sectional semifinals at 7 p.m. Tuesday.