Gators blank Fillies
Crystal Lake South girls soccer coach Anne Santucci wasn't sure how her team would perform opening the season at perennial power Barrington.
The fourth-year Gator coach didn't need to worry.
Crystal Lake South dominated in all facets in drubbing the Fillies 2-0 in a non-conference game in Barrington Wednesday afternoon.
"I am very happy," said Santucci. "We had only one true practice outside and we have to play at Barrington in the first game of the season. I had to calm the kids' nerves before the game. I just told them to go out and play soccer and have fun and they did.
"In my fourth year, we have a style and a philosophy. We are a passing team and we did a great job of possessing the ball. It was a very satisfying win."
Sophomore Karley Mecko, playing in her first varsity game, got the Gators (1-0) on the scoreboard with a goal with 18 minutes elapsed in the contest.
"I was very, very nervous all day in school," said Mecko. "I really had trouble concentrating. I just want to help the team win. It was good to get a goal and help the team."
Leading 1-0 at intermission, South sophomore Ashley Ross scored an insurance goal with 30 minutes left in the game to give the Gators a 2-0 advantage. Mecko assisted on Ross' goal.
Senior Liz Agnes and junior Jessica Taldone shared time in the nets. Agnes, a 3-year starter, had 2 saves in the first half while Taldone turned back 5 Barrington shots in the second half.
"Liz is the returning starter but Jessica did a great job with the junior varsity last season," said Santucci. "They are both good goalies. They will both get a lot of playing time early in the season and we will see who comes out as our best leader. It is a good situation to be in."
The listless Fillies, who were outshot 8-2 during the first 40 minutes, came out aggressive to start the second half. During the first 5 minutes, Liz Sauer overshot the net and Lauren Decraene missed wide from about 10 yards out.
The Gators outshot Barrington 13-7 in the game. Katie Goldrath had 4 saves while Kelly Pedersen registered 3 saves for the Fillies (1-1.)
"We had our chances," said Barrington coach Ryan Stengren. "We are a very young team and we are going through some growing pains."