Huntley keeper turns back CLS

Crystal Lake South's offense did exactly what it needed to.

So did Huntley goalkeeper Kevin Montelongo.

The sophomore finished with 13 saves and preserved a shutout as Huntley took a 1-0 Fox Valley Conference boys soccer crossover game in Huntley Saturday.

Although it was the first time the two teams have met this season, neither hopes it is the last.

If both teams with their openers in the Class 3A Huntley regional, the No. 1 seeded Gators (9-11-1, 5-4) and No. 3 seeded Red Raiders (8-5-2, 5-4) will square off for the regional title.

The Gators will approach Montelongo a little differently the second time around.

"He made good saves," said Crystal Lake South forward Jordan Innis, who had 3 of his shots stopped by Montelongo. "We didn't hit the ball low like we could have."

The final stopped Innis shot prevented the Gators from tying the game with 3:07 left to play. Montelongo nabbed the shot out of the air as Innis aimed for the top right corner of the goal.

"It's part of my job," Montelongo said. "If I see a ball I go out and get it. As a keeper, you have to do that. It feels good making huge saves like that."

Huntley did not give South goalie Zach Dalzell the same opportunities to stop balls. The Red Raiders attempted just 4 shots on goal, but sneaked one by the Gators.

Talented forward Nico Carbonara wiggled away from his defender just long enough to take a pass from Colin Walker and drill it past Dalzell (3 saves) to put the Red Raiders up 1-0 with 28:33 left to play.

"Nico is a very dangerous player," said Gators' coach Brian Allen, who had assigned someone to shadow Carbonara during the game. "You can't give him a foot of space or he will make you pay. We lost him for 5 seconds and they got a goal."

Montelongo did the rest. South attempted 7 shots on goal in the second half, including 4 in the last 10 minutes, 41 seconds.

The sophomore also made a diving grab in the first half on an Innis shot in the final minute. That save came after he jumped to tip a ball out of the net, which looked to be a sure goal for South.

"He made 2 or 3 (saves) today that were phenomenal," Huntley coach Kris Grabner said. "My son, who is the ball boy, came over and asked me, 'How'd he do that?' I haven't seen a keeper this good in the area."

Boys soccer

Streamwood 2, Schaumburg 1: The Sabres held on to defeat Schaumburg in nonconference action. Oscar Campos led Streamwood (14-4-3) scoring the first goal off an Alex Lopez assist. Alex Aranda was then able to score unassisted. Perez was in goal for his first win as a keeper collecting 4 saves.

Sycamore 4, Burlington Central 0: Burlington Central fell to Sycamore in nonconference action. The Rockets (8-10-1) were unable to score while Sycamore crept ahead 4-0 in just the first half. Kyle DeRaedt was in the net posting a total of 11 saves for the Rockets.

Larkin 2, Bartlett 1: After a scoreless first half the Royals fought hard and found the back of the net when Danny Hinterlong led the way scoring first for Larkin unassisted. Larkin (17-1) didn't stop there as Fransisco Bueno was able to shoot one to the back of the net with the help of teammate Carson McFadden, who collected the assist. Razial Somarriba was in goal for Larkin. At the start of the second half Garrett Dini was injured on an aggressive play and left the game. Bartlett (6-8-5) still managed to bounce back as Danny Aranda was able to score on a Eric Kennebeck assist. Jeff Gal was in goal for Bartlett with 8 saves.

Elgin 2, Lake Park 2: Omar Jasso and Irwin Hernandez led Elgin, each scoring unassisted to help keep the Maroons battling in Upstate Eight play. Elgin and Lake Park both managed to score a goal in each half to end in a tie game. Osiel Ravidan was in the net tallying 6 saves.