Maciopinto's late goal lifts Buffalo Grove

Sophomore Alex Maciopinto finished off a low cross from Greg Betz to give Buffalo Grove (3-2) a 1-0 victory over Wheaton North (1-2-1) as pool play continued at the 18th annual Lancer Classic hosted by Lake Park.

With the victory the Bison improve to 2-1 in tourney play with highly rated Streamwood up next on Thursday on the home pitch of the Sabres.

Wheaton North will face Crystal Lake South in the early match at Streamwood.

Less than 24 hours after an important Mid-Suburban League victory over Schaumburg (2-1) the Bison found themselves in a tough match with the Falcons, who for most of the second half had the better run of play but were unable to find the back of the net despite a handful of chances.

"We try to make sure the players understand that it is not in (our) best interest to give up a goal from the 70th minute on, and today we (did) and it was the difference in this match," said Wheaton North coach Bryce Cann.

Cann's lads, after having a difficult time exposing the Bison in its own end during the first half of play, had a better go of things after the break by finding Josh Bennett up top with regularity, while playing through the middle and captain Pat Langan.

Bennett's left-footed blast at 65 minutes forced Bison keeper Nick Landsberger to make a save then with regulation nearing, the talented senior tricked his way to the near post, then watched Landsberger stop his low drive to help seal the victory for coach Rick Schofftstall's club.

"We were mentally and physically tired from our match with Schaumburg the night before, and with an opponent like Wheaton North, it really turned out to be a hard-earned win," Schoffstall said.

Betz would find space after eluding a pair of Wheaton North defenders, and his deft layoff gave Maciopinto enough time to slot past Falcons keeper Nick Barry, who recorded a strong effort despite the Bison game-winner at 71 minutes.

"It's hard to see us give up a late goal after we controlled the entire second half," Bennett said.

"But we lost a match the other day to Conant when they scored on their only good chance, so it's just something we have to keep working on.. that, and finishing on our chances."