Noda's efforts not enough as Waukegan tops Grant

Grant's boys soccer team is much improved this season, thanks to sustained effort and intensity.

The endless work ethic has put them a single win away from reaching double digits in victories this fall.

One of the big reasons sits right up front in Andrew Noda, a senior forward who scored a couple of goals on Saturday morning to give him 13 for the season.

It wasn't enough on Saturday, however, as Grant fell to host Waukegan 6-3 in a wind-blown nonconference match.

"I was able to get some good breaks," said Noda. "I was making the runs and getting good crosses."

Noda got his first goal with a service from Jesse Aranda. On his second, Noda delivered a header off a Andres Velarde cross.

"We're playing well as a team even though we're on a losing streak right now," Noda said. "But I think it would be better if we keep pressing and moving up as a team."

Over the last week, Grant has lost consecutive games to Round Lake, Antioch, Lakes and now Waukegan (7-4-2).

"This week was rough for us," Grant coach Shane Rivette said. "Defensively, we dug ourselves some holes by making defensive mistakes. We had to battle back. Some days you can do it, and some days you can't."

Grant (9-6) fell behind Waukegan quickly, playing against some gusty winds. Irrespective of game conditions, Grant needs to rediscover what was working for them before the losing streak started.

"We just need to play smart and play as a team," Rivette said. "We need to get some confidence and things can turn around."

Waukegan benefited from the wind early on and scored 5 times in the first half. Grant's Daniel Villa, meanwhile, scored an unassisted goal against the wind.

"We did have the wind in the second half and didn't use as well as they did," Rivette said. "Waukegan used the wind to its advantage and capitalized on it. We weren't ready for it."

Waukegan was led by Miguel Cortez, who notched a hat trick. Sanjuan Francisco, Luis Medina and Montano Francisco had the other goals.