Boys soccer: Rams keep bragging rights in Grayslake rivalry

Wonder goals from Ivan and Damian Sereno were enough to help visiting Grayslake Central secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory Tuesday night over Grayslake North.

This annual crosstown contest drew a huge crowd at the Knights’ (2-3-1, 0-1-0) home park who were hand hoping their favorite team would not only win its NLCC opener, but also end a four-game win streak by the Rams.

"It feels great to win four straight games against our biggest rivals," said Ivan Sereno.

"It's always a huge battle when we play North. It wasn't always real pretty soccer, but we did what we needed to win (and) of course, we're fortunate to have two great players like Ivan and Damian, who came through big tonight," said Rams coach Keith Andersson.

The home side would enjoy a lot of the play in the first half, and would actually have a pair of goal brought back in the 25th minute, only to concede the opener in the 35th minute.

That's when Ivan ran on to a marvelous ball from Altin Balazhi, and finished with a superb touch on a low drive past diving Knights keeper Rory Braden.

"I thought we played really well all night long," said Knights senior Danny Fabelo.

"We were unlucky with two goals disallowed, but I felt like we came out strong, and stayed that way all throughout, but we just could not finish our chances."

Damian Sereno doubled the Rams advantage in the 46th minute with a sensational free kick that curled around the Knights wall from 22 yards.

Next up for the Knights is league rival Lakes Community on Thursday.

"This was a big win for us, and one that will hopefully give us the momentum needed for the rest of the season," said Balazhi.

Central will play Round Lake on Thursday.