Girls soccer: Prospect takes control of MSL East race
Prospect secured the all-important three points it came for Friday afternoon at Roland Goins Stadium when it claimed a 1-0 victory over Hersey in Arlington Heights to go three points clear of the Huskies in the MSL East division race.
Abby Knott would earn the eventual game-winner in the 53rd minute when she elevated above all others in a crowded box to meet a wonderful long-range free kick from Hannah Mekky to help the Lady Knights (11-3-1, 5-2-1) inch a little closer to a divisional title.
"We knew coming in how important this game was, and how tough of a team Hersey would be. So it feels good to come away with three big points that we really needed," said Mekky.
"In a game like this, we all knew it was going to take a goal like we scored to win, and Hannah gave Abby just a great ball for her to get on the end of," added senior Jackie Keane, who would shine on both sides of the ball as Tom Froats' outside back on the right side.
"I really have to tip my hat to our back line. They provided stout defense all throughout this game to help keep Hersey from generating too many good chances on Lily (Barich) who came through when we needed her to in goal, just as she has all year long," said Froats.
The Huskies (7-6-2, 4-3-1), who now are chasing first-place Prospect, have been quite strong in their defensive end recording four shutouts in league play this season, including a 1-0 win over Rolling Meadows on Wednesday to stay even with the Lady Knights in advance of this key match.
"This team has improved exponentially this season, and today we came in focused on what we needed to do, and (really) expect for that one letdown, played a very good 80 minutes of soccer," said Huskies coach Mike Rusniak.
The home side went close in the 34th minute when some nice combination work from Abi Beck and Kiki Craft allowed Anni Caliendo to send her looping effort toward the back post where the aforementioned Barich got enough of the ball to send it off target.
Barich came off her line aggressively to punch an Ali Beck ball sent into her box with a handful of Huskies inside the six-yard box ready to pounce on a loose ball.
The visitors came out of the break with plenty of life, earning a trio of corners with Abby Davis driving her attempt over the bar in the 48th minute, and a well struck free kick from Kayley Bouvas sent around the post by Huskies keeper Alli Paulsen.
With the Huskies unable to clear the ball out of its end, up stepped Mekky who delivered a wonderful ball to Knott who redirected past Paulsen.
"We have three games left next week, but to come away with these three points was (big). So, needless to say, I am very proud of the effort the girls put forth today," said Froats.
Next up for the Lady Knights is Rolling Meadows on the road Tuesday afternoon, while the Huskies go to state power Libertyville on Saturday before hosting Schaumburg on Wednesday.
"It was disappointing to lose the way we did because we've been spending so much time practicing our 'box defending.' But we now have to put this game behind us, and work even harder to be better next time out," said Huskies tri-captain Ali Beck.