Downers N. shuts down Hilltoppers

Since losing to Benet in a season-opening game, Downers Grove North has found its way.

"I think this is the best we've worked together here in my four years," said Trojans senior Morgan Olsen, who scored the lone goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win over visiting Glenbard West.

"We've been moving people around, but our defense has been pretty consistent throughout our games, and our midfield has been getting better."

The Trojans came out strong in the West Suburban Silver contest, applying steady pressure from the opening whistle and nearly scoring in the game's third minute.

Downers North's Kierstyn Harrington blasted a high ball on Hilltoppers goalkeeper Sara Pinter from 12 yards out, but Pinter tipped it over the crossbar.

The Hilltoppers' best stretch of play ensued, as they began to find feet and build their attack well to halftime. Finding dangerous space to launch a shot against the Trojans (5-1-2, 3-0) was another story.

Glenbard West only managed 2 legitimate shots on goal for the day, to the Trojans' 7. Central defender Olsen applauded the play of one of her defensive mates in the first half, freshman Nicole Nelson.

"Nicole Nelson shut their go-to player down," Olsen said. "There are only three of us back there, and we work real hard together."

It was Downers Grove North that applied the steady attacking pressure in the second half, "and I think the wind had a little bit to do with that," said Trojans coach Jason Hunter.

"It was at our back. But we're starting to take a little step, each half. We're getting a little better, a little better, and we're correcting mistakes."

Pinter fielded a hard-hit shot by Allison Gilbert, and then stopped another good rip by Shannon Schafer, before Olsen grabbed the spotlight.

Harrington sent a corner kick to the far post in the 66th minute, and Olsen headed it home to score her second goal of the season.

"Last year Kierstyn and I had three or four of those," Olsen said. "So we kind of see each other. I saw it going over Shannon Schafer's head and I just got in there."

Pinter made the save of the game at the post on another Harrington shot in the 77th minute. The Hilltoppers fought hard from there for an equalizer, but the Trojans kept them out.