Jacobs 2, Dundee-Crown 1

Jacobs senior Ashley Bliznick had 2 assists Monday night.

But her most important touch might have been the one that saved the lead and helped the Golden Eagles to a 2-1 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division girls soccer victory over rival Dundee-Crown in Algonquin.

With Jacobs (5-10, 3-1) leading 2-1 with just under 11 minutes remaining, a through ball created an excellent opportunity for the Chargers to tie the game. A long through ball sent D-C's Meghan Elgan and Licia Keyes streaking into the Golden Eagles' penalty area. Jacobs goalkeeper Monica Orjuela came off the line, racing to the loose ball. The three met about the same time and Elgan found the ball at her feet. Her shot was heading into the goal but Bliznick was able to get feet on the shot and clear the ball for out of bounds.

"I was just trying to get it out so we can keep the lead," Bliznick said.

The Chargers were unable to capitalize on the ensuing corner kick, but the Golden Eagles took advantage of their set-piece opportunities.

Jacobs' first goal came off a corner kick. Bliznick's cross found Maria Tamburino, who headed the ball past D-C goalkeeper Deanna Libricz for a 1-0 Jacobs lead 15:17 into the first half.

"The girls are pretty good at executing on the set pieces," Jacobs coach Jim Dzialo said.

The Chargers (3-7-2, 2-3) evened the game 5 minutes later. Jacobs was unable to clear a D-C corner. The loose ball went to Beth Nowicke, who scored to tie the game at 1-1.

The Golden Eagles took the lead for good with 18:08 left in the second half. On a free kick just outside the Chargers' penalty area, Jesica Perrone headed home a Bliznick cross.

"They capitalized on our mistakes," Chargers coach Sebastian Falinski said. "We beat ourselves."

Dundee-Crown created several offensive chances, but could not find the net. A Katie Dunning volley in the final minute of the first half hit the crossbar nearly gave the Chargers a halftime lead.

"We did create opportunities. We did put some pressure on them," Falinski said. "Unfortunately, we couldn't get one to fall."