Grimm reminder: Antioch's goalkeeper won't back down

Alex Grimm doesn't have to hide behind a mask.

While the Antioch senior wears a protection mask after suffering an injury to his nose, the four-year varsity starter in goal deserves to be seen.

The Sequoits' masked man helped his team steal a tie Tuesday night, as Antioch and Round Lake played to a 1-1 draw in a North Suburban Prairie Division showdown.

Grimm has allowed just 4 goals and has 6 shutouts.

"Over the summer, I actually broke my nose going for a ball," Grimm said. "I need it now because (the nose) isn't as sturdy. Now, it's a trademark for the season."

Grimm has been a big reason why the Sequoits (8-0-2, 0-0-2) are still undefeated.

He made 17 saves against Round Lake (6-0-4, 1-0-1).

"I was just lucky enough to be in position to make the saves," Grimm said. "I've been blessed with the ability to jump. All I want to be is in the right position, see the shots and see to make the saves."

Round Lake put forth an intense effort, sending shot after shot on goal with free kicks and point-blank shots down to the final minutes.

"I think we take this as a disappointing tie," Round Lake coach Hugo Tellez said.

"The shots we missed need to go in. We just need to work on our shots. We had shots right in front and overpowered them. Their goalie put on the mask and looked like (a superhero)."

Antioch opened the scoring early in the fourth minute. Billy Mohr scored off a Ryan Geidner cross, beating Panthers keeper Luis Leon, who made 4 saves.

The Panthers evened the game at 1-1 in the 26th minute. Jordi Rubio was tripped in the penalty area and converted a penalty kick.

"We had a lot of shots, but we couldn't get them to go in," Rubio said. "We get a lot of balls from our midfielders and us forwards have to finish them."

Antioch lost to Round Lake the last two years. Grimm got good support from Taylor Krumpos, Carson Moore, Juan Perez and Erik Van Treeck.

"It was a great game and we expected a great battle with Round Lake," Antioch coach Marni Polakow said. "We stayed in the game and we wanted a tie or a win. I thought we took it to them. We had our chances and we're still unbeaten.

"If Grimm wasn't there, then we lose that game. He made saves like crazy. Our defense held tight and played well."