Gustafson's late goal lifts Cary-Grove over Elk Grove

Maybe, Ashley Gustafson was just in the right place at the right time.

Cary-Grove girls soccer coach Ray Krystal called Gustafson's goal a result of good organization.

Elk Grove coach Dan Klaas said that Gustafson wasn't marked properly on the goal.

Whatever the reason, Gustafson's goal off a rebound from a header by Liz Bart with 42.5 seconds left in the game gave the Trojans a hard-fought 1-0 win over Elk Grove in a nonconference game played at Cary-Grove's Al Bohrer Field Saturday.

The game was played in a steady, persistent rain. With the win, the Trojans moved to 4-2 while Elk Grove drops to 2-2-1.

"When Liz's shot rebounded I wanted to make sure I was in the right place," said Gustafson, "It was getting scary at the end, but we prepare for situations like that. It was a very physical game and it was good to get a win against a very good Elk Grove team."

Krystal was pleased with the way his team bounced back after a tough loss at Huntley on Thursday.

"We want to get better every game and for that matter every half of every game," said Krystal. "I like our progression as a team. We play quality teams like Elk Grove to get better. Both teams really battled but we were able to execute that last play well and get a win. The attitude on this team is fantastic. They want to get better every day in practice."

For Elk Grove, it was a matter of missed opportunities. The Grenadiers, who outshot Cary-Grove 9-5, had one golden chance to score in each half.

Early in the first half, Elk Grove's Katie Naughton broke through the Cary-Grove defense but her shot was wide of the net.

With 25 minutes left in the game, Kelli Hubly fired a shot from 10 yards, but Cary-Grove goalie Paige Lincicum made a diving save to keep the game scoreless.

"Yes, this loss stings, but we need to learn from this and get ready for a big conference game against Meadows this week," said Klaas. "Both teams expended a lot of energy and played hard. We had some chances, but in the end we lost to a very good Cary-Grove team."

Both goalies, Lincicum and Elk Grove's Nicole Ricci, were solid in the net.

Lincicum made 6 saves for the Trojans and Ricci turned back 3 shots for the Grens.

"Paige played great in goal," said Krystal. "Her save in the second half was fantastic."