Boys soccer: Rams, Knights pull out OT wins to send both Grayslake schools to sectional championship game

It will be an all-Northern Lake County Conference sectional final Friday at William Eiserman Field when league rivals Grayslake Central and North meet in a winner take all contest.

Both semifinals Tuesday provided plenty of thrills and excitement before a packed house on the campus of Grayslake Central — each contest decided in extra time to help send Central and North through.

The opener saw the home side lead twice against Highland Park (10-12-1) only to concede in the 70th minute to send the game to overtime where the Rams’ all-state forward Ivan Sereno bagged the game-winner for the second consecutive game.

"We came out without any energy just like we did the other day in our regional final with Wauconda, but we found our way back and did all that we needed to do to get ourselves into the sectional final in front of our home fans," said Sereno, whose 33rd goal of the season in the 89th minute was the difference.

Daniel Sachuk hit the opener for the Rams (14-5-0) in the 20th minute, and his teammate Chino Garcia Perez added the second with his unstoppable guided missile at 65 minutes.

The Rams defeated their crosstown rivals 2-0 back on Sept. 9, however the Knights (15-5-1) since then have been nearly unbeatable as they enter the sectional final on a 12-game win streak after their 1-0 overtime victory over Carmel Catholic in the second semifinal match.

The Corsairs have enjoyed a remarkable fall season one year after finishing with just four victories.

It was 2021 since the last time the Corsairs (14-6-2) had reached the sectional final. On this night, despite playing a fantastic 100 minutes of soccer, it would be a penalty kick conversion from Danny Fabela in the 81st minute that decided this thriller.

The Knights nearly won in the 80th minute if not for a trio of blocked shots on the way in near the six — plus a brilliant reaction save from Corsairs keeper Vinny Fiore that helped sent the game into extra time.

Knights center-backs Alonso Morales and Brandon Gonzalez were sharp and strong the entire night, as were their counterparts, Austin Paras and Garynn Thornberry.