North Stars stop Saints

James Reed was a star Saturday night.

The junior midfielder on the St. Charles North boys soccer team felt the love from his teammates after he netted the lone goal of the game in the North Stars' 1-0 win against rival St. Charles East at Norris Stadium.

After Reed scored with 11:54 remaining in the game, his teammates lifted him in the air and also had their frustrations lifted, as both teams struggled to score all night.

"There was a lot of momentum our the side of whoever scored, and we just lucked out," Reed said. "It came through to me and I just put it in."

After a quick first half, both teams picked up the intensity. More shots were fired, more fists pounded the grass when opportunities were missed and more players found themselves on the grass in this physical and friendly rivalry.

"Of course against North, there's always be that extra bit of edge," St. Charles East coach Paul Jennison said. "It's guaranteed."

The Saints' (7-5-5, 1-1-3) best chances to score was Johnny Bren's attempt in the 25th minute and Ben Fowler's close call in the 23rd minute.

"(St. Charles North goalkeeper Zach Hosler) played well," St. Charles North coach Eric Willson said. "He's an awesome communicator so much so he lost his voice by the end of them game. He's a fantastic keeper."

The North Stars' (8-7-3, 2-2-1) closest call before the heroics of Reed was courtesy of Dan Stanek, whose attempt was all but in the net before Corey Novotny acted as goalie for a moment and blocked the shot in the 27th minute of the second half.

"It certainly felt like we had a lot of chances," Willson said. "It's one of those games where it's probably not the prettiest game of soccer we've ever played or seen, but often at times when these teams get together, it's not about prettiness, it's about a will to win. We were tough tonight, it was good."

This was how Jennison, the Saints' first-year coach, was welcomed to the rivalry between the two schools in St. Charles.

"Between the schools, I expected this to be intense," Jennison said. "It wasn't a pretty game at all. But you have to give credit to (St. Charles North). They came here (to St. Charles East) and got it done. Congratulations to them. I was disappointed we never got started, but again, compliments to North. They came in here and stopped us."