WW South finishes strong

Wheaton Warrenville South senior Lexi Peterson had to fight back tears Tuesday night. A few of them had to be for joy.

On an emotional senior night at Red Grange Field in Wheaton, the Tigers received a strong effort from Peterson and a late goal from senior Kate Fowee and nipped cross-town rival Wheaton North 1-0 in DuPage Valley Conference action.

“(Fowee) made a great run on top and it was just perfect timing to finally be able to break down their defense,” Peterson said. “Their defense was really strong. I think they gave us a really great challenge and were just a very solid team.”

Wheaton Warrenville South (11-6-3, 5-2) appeared to get caught up in the senior celebration early as the Tigers didn’t create many chances early but also didn’t fall behind.

“It took us awhile to settle in,” Tigers coach Guy Callipari said. “We finally had the timing on the pass in the final third, and Kate made a great run and a heads-up play.”

Wheaton North (9-9-1, 2-5) had its share of opportunities but failed to deliver the equalizer.

“I thought we played an outstanding game of soccer tonight,” Falcons coach Tim McEvilly said. “I was very proud with the way we played, but sometimes the game isn’t fair in the result.”

Junior Kelsey Sorensen had a free kick for the Falcons from about 20 yards out at the 11:27 mark of the second half, but her attempt was too strong. Later, with 6:33 left, the Falcons just missed out on knotting the match when Linnae Giuliano lined a shot, but goalkeeper Abby Fuster batted it away.

“One goal can make or break a game, so I think we did a good job of making that one goal and holding them back,” Peterson said. “Our defense did a really great job tonight. We just have to keep it up.”