Third time the charm for Kronforst

After having 2 goals disallowed Korey Kronforst was hoping for a third opportunity to put the ball in the net.

That third time proved to be the ultimate charm for Cary-Grove's talented freshman.

Aided by a perfect pass from Ashley Gustafson, Kronforst pushed a shot past Crystal Lake South goalie Jessica Taldone with 7:42 left in the game. That was all the offense the Trojans needed in a 1-0 victory over the Gators in semifinal action of the Class 3A Crystal Lake South regional Tuesday afternoon. It was the third time Cary-Grove defeated South 1-0 this season.

"I was really frustrated that the first 2 goals didn't count," said Kronforst. "It was hard to accept. But Ashley gave me a great pass and I was able to finish."

Said Cary-Grove coach Ray Krystal: "Korey showed a lot of perseverance and stayed with it. She got a third chance and didn't miss this time."

Cary-Grove (18-2), the No. 2 seed, will tangle with top-seeded Huntley for the regional crown Saturday at 11 a.m.

The Trojans also got a superior effort in the net from senior goalie Alex Holland. Holland, who will play at Division I University of South Carolina next season, made three tremendous saves in a two-minute span early in the second half.

With 32:28 left in the game, South's Danielle McDonald blasted shot on goal from 5 yards out. Holland, leaping backward, got a hand on the ball to deflect it out of the net. Crystal Lake South's Ashley Ross and Katie Burton had solid shots on goal, but in each instance Holland made the save.

"Against a team like Crystal Lake South you have to stay focused in goal the whole game or they will score on you," said Holland. "They have a very good offensive attack. This was a great win because they ended our season the last two seasons."

Holland collected 5 saves for the game.

"Alex played like a Division I goalie today," said Krystal. "She was outstanding. South has a very good team and she made every save. Alex and the whole team showed a lot of character today."

Crystal Lake South (10-11), which outshot Cary-Grove 10-9, got a stellar effort in the net from Taldone. The Eastern Illinois signee had 6 saves including a diving save off a shot from Cary-Grove's Alyssa Jacobucci with 1:55 left in the game.

"This was a great game between two very good teams," said Crystal Lake South coach Brian Allen. "We have an intense rivalry with Cary-Grove and we had three great games with them this season. Alex Holland is one of the best goalies in the area and she made some great saves. We did everything right with our shots on goal, but Alex was outstanding. She really stepped up. Jessica also played a great game. It was a battle of two very good goalies.

"I am very very proud of our girls. They gave me everything they had."