Kronforst’s goal lifts Cary-Grove past Huntley

Huntley coach Kris Grabner realized his defense had to know where Cary-Grove senior standout Korey Kronforst was on the field at all times.

But the Red Raiders allowed Kronforst enough room to get off a good shot late in the game. The Cary-Grove forward took advantage of the opportunity. Off a perfect pass from Stephanie Neumann, Kronforst pushed a 5-yard shot past Huntley goalkeeper Jessica Galason with 10:10 left in the game.

Kronforst’s goal propelled Cary-Grove to a 1-0 win over the Red Raiders in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division girls soccer action in Cary Tuesday night.

It was the Trojans’ final home game of the season.

“Their goal came on a major mistake by our defense,” said Grabner. “It was a major miscommunication and a lack of focus on our part. (Kronforst) is a special player and you have to defend her the entire game. “

Kronforst was ecstatic about the win on senior night.

“Huntley is a great team and this is a great win on senior night,” said Kronforst. “Huntley is so good defensively you are not going to get a lot of shots on goal. This was a great accomplishment. It was one touch and a shot and I was able to look up quickly and find an opening.”

Senior Paige Lincicum was outstanding in the net for the winners. Lincicum, who turned away all 8 of Huntley’s shots, registered the biggest save of the game with 5:03 remaining to play.

Huntley’s Delaney Loprieno rifled a direct kick from 10 yards on goal, but Lincicum leapt and pushed the ball over the net to preserve the shutout.

“I didn’t want to go to overtime,” said Lincicum. “I wanted to make sure I was able to punch the ball over the net. Huntley is a very aggressive offensive team and they put some tough shots on goal. This was a great win on senior night.”

Huntley outshot Cary-Grove (9-4-1, 3-0) 11-8. Galason collected 5 saves for the Red Raiders (9-5-1, 3-1).

“Against a great defensive team like Huntley you are not going to get a lot of opportunities,” said Cary-Grove coach Ray Krystal. “Korey found an open slot and had great placement on her shot. Paige was outstanding in goal. She made some great saves. We did the little things well enough to get the win.”