Big start for Buffalo Grove
Buffalo Grove got off to a flying start to the girls soccer season with a convincing 2-0 victory over host St. Viator on Monday afternoon at Celtic Park in Palatine.
The Bison (1-0-0) struck for goals in each half of play, the first coming at 26 minutes, and later, just three minutes after intermission to give the visitors a 2-goal advantage that it managed well over the hosts, who were led by former Conant and Marquette star Bryan Dahlquist. He was covering for long-time head coach Mike Taylor, who was away for the day.
“They (Buffalo Grove) were very impressive today, especially Nos. 7 (Colleen Zickert) and 14 (Jessica Kovach) who gave us fits wherever they were out there, especially in the midfield,” said Dahlquist, whose club was missing a few starters, including senior Erin Malone. When she returns from injury, she’ll help anchor the backline along with Katie Gavin, who did well in the middle of the backline for the Lions.
“There’s still a lot of work to do but do get through that first match is important — and that’s a good thing — but again, I was impressed from what I saw from (BG) today.”
The visitors opened with just three seniors, among them all-area striker Carolynn Wieland, and featured a quartet of freshmen. But BG started brightly, and dictated tempo in the early stages, much to the surprise of coach Pat Dudle.
“Your always worried a little about how you’ll play in your opener, and just how everyone is going to play together,” he said. “But I thought we had some very good chemistry right from the start while showing an ability to possess, and plenty of creativity which allowed us to control most of the first half of play.”
With Zickert and Kovach enjoying plenty of touches in the middle of the park, and in turn finding their mates on the outside or up top, the Bison showed their intent during the first quarter-hour with some lively play to help keep the Lions defending more than they would have liked.
A well-aimed corner from Skylar Groth led to the first goal of the match as the sophomore’s lofty serve tumbled off the gloves of Lions keeper Morgan Hess, where an opportunistic Paige Smith slotted into the back of the net from inside the 6-yard box.
The Lions, who have an assortment of weapons in their own in the attack, were unable to get much going. They struggled to possess through the middle or even keep the ball long enough to gain some confidence.
“We weren’t as composed with the ball as Buffalo Grove was, but that will come in time as we continue to sort things out in training and with more matches,” said Dahlquist.
The Bison nearly doubled their lead just moments after the break when a nice 1-2 from Wieland to Zickert resulted in the freshman going over the bar. But the Lions’ inability to clear another Groth corner allowed Kim Herzog fire her shot just inside the post to make it 2-0 at 43 minutes.
The visitors were in full flight now, and with Kovach setting Herzog free up the left side, the sophomore had a go at Hess, who saved the attempt from 12 yards.
“We had some very good moments in the first half, then again in the (second), and everyone had a chance to contribute and get some quality time out there today,” said Dudle.
Freshman Sara Busse saw her shot from in close blocked nicely by Gavin at the hour mark to stop a potential close-range attempt. Soon after, the Lions put together some of their best chances, with Erin Renee Murphy initiating most of the trouble — particularly when the junior tricked her way free down the left side before sending a ball through the box that ended up going untouched.
The Lions host Jacobs on Friday at Celtic Park, while the Bison host Vernon Hills this Wednesday in their home opener.