Boys soccer: Grayslake North beats Grayslake Central

A district rivalry was one way to kick off the Northern Lake County Conference boys soccer schedule.

Grayslake North pulled out a 1-0 win over visiting Grayslake Central in a grueling match that was decided in the final minute on a penalty kick Thursday night.

Matthew Heery converted the game-winning goal.

"The last two years (Grayslake Central) has had our number," coach Adam DeCaluwe said after his Knights improved to 3-1 overall. "We lost twice in PKs. They've been tight matchups like this one. That's what we expect out of this game. (Grayslake Central) outworked us and played one heck of a game. I consider us pretty fortunate. I'll take the result and move forward."

Heery was fouled in the penalty area on a corner kick near the top of the box. The senior stepped up and scored his second goal of the season.

"It was huge to score that one, especially in the last minute of the game," Heery said. "I just try not to have any nerves when I go up there. I knew where I wanted it to go the entire time and just placed it."

Grayslake Central (1-7) has had a difficult schedule, but the Rams were coming off their first victory over highly regarded Warren on Tuesday night.

"I think our defense has made a lot of strides," Grayslake Central coach Tom Hamilton said. "They've responded really well with some tough lessons early on. They've come together very quickly being how much change there has been.

"We've learned every lesson that needs to be learned at this point," he added. "It's a matter of executing and applying these lessons. That's what every game from now on will be."